Binary opposition

Binary opposition is a concept from cultural and literary analysis that describes how contrasting ideas or categories—such as good versus evil, light versus dark, or male versus female—are used to create meaning. These oppositions are often paired and understood in relation to each other, shaping how we interpret stories, symbols, and social structures. Recognizing binary oppositions helps reveal underlying assumptions and cultural values, showing how distinctions influence our perceptions and expectations within a given context.