Barbara Johnson

Date of Birth: October 4, 1947

Zodiac Sign: Libra

Date of Death: August 27, 2009

Biography

Barbara Johnson was a renowned literary critic, theorist, and professor, known for her profound influence on deconstructive criticism and feminist theory. Born on October 4, 1947, in Boston, Massachusetts, Johnson’s academic journey led her to Radcliffe College where she earned her bachelor’s degree in 1968. She continued her education at Yale University, obtaining her Ph.D. in Comparative Literature in 1977. Johnson’s career spanned several decades, during which she held prestigious positions at Yale University and later at Harvard University, where she was the Fredric Wertham Professor of Law and Psychiatry in Society. Her work focused on French literature, feminist theory, and deconstruction, making significant contributions to the understanding of literary texts and the role of language. She authored several influential books including “The Critical Difference” (1980), “A World of Difference” (1987), and “The Feminist Difference” (1998).

5 Interesting Facts about Barbara Johnson

1. Barbara Johnson was a prominent figure in the development of deconstruction, a critical approach that questions the relationship between text and meaning.

2. She was one of the first scholars to introduce the work of French deconstructivist philosopher Jacques Derrida to American literary circles.

3. Johnson was awarded a Guggenheim Fellowship in 1984 in recognition of her contributions to literary criticism.

4. Her book “The Critical Difference” is considered a seminal work in the field of literary theory, particularly for its analysis of the differences between structuralism and post-structuralism.

5. Johnson’s teaching career at Harvard University influenced a generation of students, many of whom have become notable scholars in their own right.

5 Most Interesting Quotes from Barbara Johnson

1. “A text is not a text unless it hides from its first comer, from the first glance, the law of its composition and the rules of its game.”

2. “To read is to struggle to make sense of what is not immediately intelligible.”

3. “Feminist theory is not about gender alone; it is about the building of theories.”

4. “Deconstruction is not a dismantling of the structure of a text, but a demonstration that it has already dismantled itself.”

5. “The most challenging aspect of reading is to listen to what is unsaid, to what the text conceals as much as it reveals.”

Highest Net Worth Achieved

While specific financial details regarding Barbara Johnson’s net worth are not publicly documented, her academic tenure, published works, and awards suggest she achieved considerable professional success and recognition.