The Theory of Signification: Semiotic Criticism and Literature

Abstract

As a signification theory, semiotic criticism attracts considerable interest from researchers in different disciplines. Literature is one of the fields where the theory is used for signifying practices. Literary semiotics has emerged as a sub-discipline as a result of the efficient interaction between semiotics and literature. The process of meaning creation in texts can be elucidated through literary semiotics. Semiotics has idiosyncratic rules and concepts in its system to accomplish its goal that bars new researchers from benefiting the theory’s data in penetrating and unfolding different meaning stratums. This paper will argue the critical steps and tools of a systematized semiotic analysis within the process of signification to overcome such obstacles. The relationship between language and literature, literary semiotics and analysis tools will be addressed through the discussion of the historical development of sign studies within the scope of semiotics as a signification theory.