Structuralism

Structuralism in literature studies the patterns and structures of stories. It looks at the characters, events, and themes to understand how they fit together and create meaning. It's like solving a puzzle to uncover the hidden rules of a story. 

In order to better understand how literary and non-literary texts "work", a structuralist approach can be very useful. For example, if you were studying "Normal People", you might analyze the text in terms of binary pairs, such as public versus private, conformity versus rebellion, and intimacy versus distance. It would explore how these opposing elements intersect and influence the characters' interactions and development, ultimately revealing the underlying structures that govern their lives and relationships in the context of contemporary society. 

• What opposing pairs can be found in the text? How do these reflect social structures and patterns? How can these pairs be challenged and broken down? 

• What does the narrative of the text imply about the functioning or ideal functioning of society or a specific culture? How does the narrative deviate from a straightforward sequence of events or question our understanding of reality?