Derrida's Double Reading: Understanding and Creativity in Deconstruction

Introduction

Jacques Derrida introduced the concept of "Double Reading" in his seminal work, "Of Grammatology." This unique reading methodology has been a subject of fascination and debate among scholars and students alike. In this blog post, we will explore what Double Reading means according to Derrida, where it was first defined, and its fundamental components. We will also emphasize the importance of initially grasping the literal meaning of a written piece as the primary step in this process, before delving into creative engagement. This phase of the procedure must precede our exploration of how the text may surpass or challenge the author's conscious intentions.

Origins of Double Reading

Derrida first introduced the concept of Double Reading in "Of Grammatology" to describe his own reading methodology. This approach is incorporated into a larger discourse found in the essay titled "The Exorbitant: Question of Method," which is attached to the chapter 'That Dangerous Supplement'. Essentially, Double Reading seeks to reconcile two seemingly contradictory aims in the interpretation of texts (Bradley 2008).

1. Literal Understanding: Reproducing the Author's Intentions

One of the core principles of Derrida's Double Reading is to engage with a text in a manner that meticulously reproduces, to the best extent possible, what the author intended when creating it. This initial step is crucial in the process, as it requires the reader to immerse themselves in the text and strive to comprehend it in its most literal sense. This approach aligns with traditional methods of literary analysis where the primary goal is to uncover the author's original meaning and intent.

This can be likened to the act of reading a text with the utmost care, deciphering the words, phrases, and sentences, and attempting to grasp the surface-level message conveyed by the author. It involves understanding the plot, characters, themes, and the author's stylistic choices without prematurely imposing one's interpretation onto the text.

2. Beyond Literal Understanding: Uncovering New Possibilities

However, Derrida's Double Reading does not stop at the surface-level comprehension of a text. It also encourages readers to delve deeper and explore the ways in which the text surpasses or challenges the author's presumed intentions. This aspect of the methodology involves a creative engagement with the text, aiming to discover hidden meanings, contradictions, or complexities that may not be immediately evident.

In this sense, Double Reading invites readers to view the text as a space of potentiality, where multiple interpretations and perspectives can coexist. It encourages critical thinking and creativity, enabling readers to question the established norms and explore alternative readings. This dimension aligns with the deconstructive nature of Derrida's work, as it seeks to unravel the inherent ambiguities and paradoxes within texts.

The Pitfalls to Avoid

One of the critical aspects of Derrida's Double Reading is the necessity to avoid misrepresenting the author's intentions.It is not an open invitation to impose one's ideas onto a text or to put words in the mouth of the author that were never there in the first place. Instead, it urges readers to remain faithful to the text's literal meaning while simultaneously recognizing its capacity to generate diverse interpretations. This fundamental idea is particularly significant when we consider its application to various scholars engaging with Ferdinand de Saussure's "Course in General Linguistics." It becomes evident that some of them, surprisingly those who shouldn't, may bypass the first step of the Double Reading, which is to stay faithful to the author's words.

Conclusion

Derrida's concept of Double Reading is a powerful and nuanced approach to textual interpretation. It challenges readers to engage with texts at multiple levels, from the literal to the creative, all while maintaining a deep respect for the author's intentions. For undergraduate students and scholars alike, it serves as a valuable framework for exploring the complexities of literature and philosophy, encouraging both fidelity to the text and imaginative thinking. By understanding the origins and principles of Double Reading, we can embark on a journey of critical engagement and intellectual exploration that goes beyond conventional approaches to literary analysis, provided that we understand the text first.

Related posts from this blog:

Purr-spectives: The Philosophy of Naming Cats and Derrida's Double Reading

https://derridaforlinguists.blogspot.com/2023/10/blog-post_07.html

 Shadows of Authenticity: A Misguided Arrow.

https://derridaforlinguists.blogspot.com/2023/12/blog-post_24.html

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Riddle Me This:

Question 1: According to the text, what are the two main objectives of Derrida's Double Reading methodology when interpreting a text?

·         Answer 1: According to the article, Derrida's Double Reading methodology involves two main objectives: (1) Reproducing the author's intentions as faithfully as possible, and (2) Exploring how the text can surpass or challenge the author's presumed intentions to generate new interpretations.

Question 2: Why is it crucial to understand a text literally as the first step in Derrida's Double Reading approach?

·         Answer 2: Understanding a text literally as the first step in Derrida's Double Reading approach is crucial because it allows readers to grasp the author's original intentions and meanings accurately. Without this foundational understanding, readers risk misrepresenting the author's ideas and imposing their own interpretations onto the text, which goes against the essence of Double Reading.

Bibliography

Derrida, Jacques. 1998. Of Grammatology. Translated by Gayatri Chakravorty Spivak. Baltimore: Johns Hopkins University Press.

Derrida, Jacques. 1981. Positions. Translated and annotated by Alan Bass. Chicago: University of Chicago Press.

Bradley, Arthur. Derrida’s Of Grammatology: An Edinburgh Philosophical Guide. Edinburgh: Edinburgh University Press, 2008.