Hallgerdur: Deconstructing the Sign A Derridean Analysis of the Ambiguity of Language Choice and Semantic Spillage Across Genres in the Saga of Njal

Abstract

Hallgerdur Höskuldsdóttir has been considered one of the wicked women of the Icelandic Saga of Njal. This essay proposes to explore the truth behind this semantic assumption through a close reading of the text under the lens of Derridean deconstruction and some of its key concepts regarding “Speech/Writing,” “Trace,” “Aporia” and “Dissemination” as expressed in his Of Grammatology and other writings. Using the evidence found, the text attempts to disclose the disunity of meanings with regards of the character of Hallgerdur, in which one semantic value has been privileged and spilled across the borders between adaptations and into other genres such as the theatrical adaptation of the saga for Borgarleikhus and Björn Br. Björnsson’s drama film version from 2003. This endeavour is conducted in three stages, preceded by a short exposition of the need for language scepticism and an examination of some contradictions, binary oppositions, omissions and semantic shifts and styles found inside the text according to Derridean deconstructionism. These are reflected in the layers of the text at a micro and macro level, present in the form of dualistic tensions. This analysis shows the impossibility of a complete and homogeneous balance of the character and discloses information about the technical pragmatism of the kind of force the character holds for the plot.After the question on the adequacy of language has been developed and discussed, and our inability to obtain a fixed depiction of the character of Hallgerdur given the tensions in the text, there follows the undoing of the saga’s narrative, which results in the possibility of new interpretations in which language is not pre-eminent. Finally, we delve into some alternative readings that present her character more sympathetically or on an equal standing in respect to other females in the saga.