Structuralism l What is it l A literary

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Structuralism l What is it? l A literary theory that says that you can

Structuralism l What is it? l A literary theory that says that you can analyze a text and through it come to understand the larger structure such as the culture, the literary genre, etc.

l Structuralists say that everything exists as a part of a larger whole. Nothing

l Structuralists say that everything exists as a part of a larger whole. Nothing can truly exist on its own.

l The French terms “langue” and “parole” are used in discussion of this theory.

l The French terms “langue” and “parole” are used in discussion of this theory. l “Langue”, refers to the system or structure, the whole. l “Parole”, refers to the individual utterance or example within the langue. l Therefore, a simple utterance, a play, a dance, a ceremony, etc. , can be better understood once one understands the langue under which that parole is acting.

What does this mean for us? l What are examples in our culture of

What does this mean for us? l What are examples in our culture of “paroles” that help us understand the greater “langue” of our modern American culture? l Film industry l Schedules, how we spend our time l What we spend our money on l Advertisements

Connection l Turn to your neighbor; using the general theme of “Medieval Theatre” together

Connection l Turn to your neighbor; using the general theme of “Medieval Theatre” together decide on a langue of that time period. l Then choose 2 -3 paroles within that langue. l Share your results with another partnership.

So what? l Why would a study or basic understanding of Stucturalism be of

So what? l Why would a study or basic understanding of Stucturalism be of use in this unit - how can we use it to better understand Spanish Golden Age theatre?