S/Z: An Essay
S/Z: An Essay
Nonfiction | Book | Adult | Published in 1975
Book Brief
Beta271
Book • Nonfiction
1970s
1975
Adult
18+ years
Super Short Summary
In S/Z, Roland Barthes deconstructs Honoré de Balzac's short story "Sarrasine," using five literary codes. The text explores active reading and the multiplicity of meanings, emphasizing the interplay between reader and narrative. Barthes's analysis highlights how texts generate diverse interpretations, reshaping the reader's engagement with literature.
Reviews & Readership
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Review Roundup
Roland Barthes' S/Z is widely praised for its intricate structural analysis and innovative narrative techniques. Many reviewers appreciate its depth and the challenge it poses to traditional literary criticism. However, some criticize its dense and complex style as off-putting and inaccessible. Overall, it's considered a seminal yet demanding read in literary theory.
Who Should Read S/Z: An Essay?
A reader who enjoys S/Z by Roland Barthes often has a keen interest in literary theory, structuralism, and semiotics. They are likely to appreciate deep analytical approaches to texts, similar to those found in Derrida's Of Grammatology or Foucault's The Archaeology of Knowledge. This reader enjoys uncovering layers of meaning in literature.
3,829 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
271
Book • Nonfiction
1970s
1975
Adult
18+ years
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