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🧿intro to literary theory review

The other

Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025
Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025

Definition

The concept of 'the other' refers to a person or group that is perceived as fundamentally different or separate from oneself, often used to highlight power dynamics, identity formation, and social marginalization. It plays a significant role in understanding how individuals and cultures define themselves in contrast to those they consider outsiders, contributing to the creation of identity and the dynamics of inclusion and exclusion.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

  1. 'The other' is rooted in psychoanalytic theory, particularly in how individuals construct their identities through differentiation from those they perceive as different.
  2. In Lacanian psychoanalysis, 'the other' is crucial for understanding desire and language, highlighting how individuals relate to a symbolic order established by societal norms.
  3. 'The other' can manifest in various contexts such as race, gender, sexuality, and culture, influencing social hierarchies and power structures.
  4. The recognition of 'the other' is often tied to processes of alienation and belonging, affecting how individuals navigate their social environments.
  5. In literary theory, 'the other' often appears as a theme that explores issues of representation, agency, and the complexities of cultural encounters.

Review Questions

  • How does the concept of 'the other' inform our understanding of identity formation in psychoanalytic theory?
    • 'The other' plays a key role in identity formation as individuals construct their sense of self by contrasting themselves with those they consider different. In psychoanalytic theory, this differentiation is critical because it highlights how desires and behaviors are shaped by external perceptions. This relationship with 'the other' underscores the dynamic interplay between self-identity and societal norms.
  • Discuss the implications of 'the other' in the context of power dynamics and social hierarchies.
    • 'The other' has significant implications for power dynamics as it often leads to the marginalization of those who are deemed different. By labeling certain groups as 'the other', societies create hierarchies that privilege some identities over others. This process of 'othering' not only affects individual experiences but also shapes collective narratives that justify social inequalities and exclusionary practices.
  • Evaluate how Lacanian psychoanalysis reframes our understanding of language in relation to 'the other'.
    • Lacanian psychoanalysis reframes our understanding of language by asserting that language is inherently tied to the notion of 'the other'. According to Lacan, individuals acquire meaning through their relationships with others within the symbolic order. The act of speaking involves engaging with 'the other', which reveals how language can both define and limit one's identity. This perspective challenges traditional views by emphasizing that our subjectivity is constructed through interactions that continuously reinforce or challenge our sense of self in relation to 'the other'.