Deconstruction

From the reading, deconstruction can be defined in two ways. Casually, it can be defined as a label for work that is more complex than simple. More complexly, as a way of viewing and interpreting things, such as art, writing and architecture, etc. The goal of the deconstructionist perspective is to delve into and interpret everything as a way of uncovering the meaning. This point of view puts emphasis on the openness of meaning, which simply, refers to the idea that the intended meaning can be left open ended so that it can be left up to each viewers interpretation.

By questioning anything and everything associated with the piece/s, you can break something down to it’s simplest of forms in order to better understand the essential meaning and message. The farther you dig into the meaning of something, the closer you will be able to get to the creators intentions. This is the point, however, where that emphasis on the openness within the meaning comes into play. Even more questions, this time related to the individual viewer can create even more depth into possible and acceptable interpretations. Just like words have denotations and connotations, a piece can have different meanings due to the connotations that surround it based on who the audience is and what their background is.

Deconstruction is a critical activity that relies on asking many questions as a way of analyzing something. Just as deconstruction can give a piece different meanings for different audiences, there are different views and opinions on what exactly the idea of deconstruction is.