Heterogeneity

This paper is intended to make an initial study of J. Hillis Miller's deconstructive theory from the perspective of heterogeneity, trying to illustrate that the assumption of heterogeneity is Miller's basic view of literature, and it works as the leverage in his deconstruction of the metaphysics of logocentrism. What is more, Miller's deconstructive project itself is heterogeneous.The dissertation consists of five chapters.Chapter One,"Introduction", discusses the development of Miller's critical career and the nonconcept of heterogeneity. This chapter is divided into three sections. Section One introduces Miller's transition from science to literature and from Phenomenology to Deconstruction. The aim is to show that to account for the"heterogeneity"is Miller's basic interest in literature, and his transition from one school of thought to another is not the result of passive reception but active absorption of their theories to serve this purpose. Section Two makes a survey of the critical responses aroused by Miller's deconstructive criticism. Critics have already noticed Miller's persistent interest in the heterogeneity of literature and the heterogeneous nature of his critical project, but they only offer a few isolated comments without making further analysis and mainly ascribe this to Miller's complicated theoretical background. Inspired by their insight, this paper tries to study Miller's deconstructive theory systematically from the perspective of heterogeneity. Section Three discusses the nonconcept heterogeneity: the etymological analysis of this word; its relationship with Derrida's différance; classic images employed in illustrating the heterogeneity—the"parasite and host","others"and"black hole", which perform similar function in deconstructing the metaphysics of logocentrism.Chapter Two,"Some Basic Problems of Literature Raised by Heterogeneity", is divided into three sections. Section One discusses Miller's definition of literature. Miller believes literature is language and world at once; virtual reality is created and...