Abstract

When Paul de Man died in December 1983 he was arguably the most influential figure in American literary studies. The critical theory of deconstruction he had taught to faithful Yale graduate students and numerous other readers, though sharply attacked from the beginning, had gradually gained ascendancy in the academy. Moreover, it is clear from the eulogies of almost all who knew de Man — at least in his American career — that beyond the intellectual force he exerted, the man himself inspired enormous devotion. Giamatti, president of Yale at the time of de Man's death, spoke for many in his memorial tribute: “A tremendous light for humane life and learning is gone and nothing for us will ever be the same.