Question

Why does barthes refer to greek tragedy in death of the author?

Answer 1

The Death of the Author”, Barthes issues the question of “who is speaking”. (Barthes185) He highlights his theory with his example of Sarrasine by Baltac. Barthes uses this exampleto illustrate that writing is the deconstruction of every point of origin. He includes an exceptfrom Sarrasine: “This was woman, herself, with her sudden fears, her irrational whims, herinstinctive worries, her impetuous boldness, her fussings and her delicious sensibility.” (Barthes185) Barthes includes this to beg the question is this statement known knowledge, an expressionof Baltac, or simply romantic psychology. Barthes furthers his argument by presenting Mallarmeand his assertion that linguistic analysis is necessary. Barthes also uses Greek tragedies asexamples of why the author is dead in this work. He points out that in many Greek tragediesthere are many instances of words with double meanings. This leaves the text more open tovarious interpretation from the readers, reinforcing Barthes belief that the author is dead.