One of Cixous' main focuses is the inadequacy of a phallocentric discourse. Because the discourse has been created by and for men, it becomes extremely difficult for a woman to tell her story in her own words. One way Cixous exposes these inadequacies is through her circuitous style of writing. Using Derrida's Theory of Deconstruction, Cixous' round-about, repetitive, and contradicting style uncovers the shortcomings of a phallocentric discourse for women's writing. During a deconstructive reading it is shown that "an existing hierarchy can be reversed, causing the formerly privileged term to exchange properties with the formerly devalued one." Cixous celebrates such a deconstructive reading because as the flaws and the contradictions of a text are exposed, the strength and credibility of the text diminish. These weak links found in the arguments of a text raise questions of doubt concerning the validity of the specific idea. Through Cixous' stategic use of weak links in her arguement, she illustrates the flaws inherent in a phallocentric discourse, flaws that make it impossible for her to speak in a direct and accurate manner.


Introduction to the Myths
Why the Myths Were Created
How to Uncover and Conquer the Myths
The Myths and Their Faults
Derrida's Theory of Deconstruction
Applied to Cixous
Obstacles Faced in Conquering the Myths
How the Medusa Became a Monster
and the Woman Became Inadequate
A Critique of Cixous' Use
of Deconstruction
Cixous' Proposed Results and
My Proposed Results

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