On Jacques Derrida (original) (raw)

The paper reflects on Jacques Derrida's influence on literary theory and historical scholarship, particularly in how his introduction of post-structuralism challenged and transformed the intellectual landscape following the initial emergence of structuralism in America. It discusses the impact of Derrida's ideas on the concept of textuality, historical alterity, and the relationship between art and history, emphasizing a shift towards viewing manuscripts as dynamic artifacts shaped by their material conditions and historical contexts. The author posits that engaging with Derrida's philosophy allows for a richer understanding of medieval texts, encouraging a collaborative dialogue between theory and history.