One sole method of interpretation?

One sole method of interpretation?

So I’m kinda on an interpretation blog kick here. These are intriguing questions posed in class so I’m running with them!

Should all texts be interpreted using the same method?

First of all, what would the “same” method be? What would that even look like? Just look at all the literary theories that exist today and that we have looked at in class, I don’t think they would all be able to stick to just one sole method of interpretation. Could a Marxist, feminist, romantic, post-colonial, Christian method be taught? And I didn’t even mention all of them in that! I think one sole “same” method is impossible.

It is impossible for everyone to interpret a text the same way. Just refer to my previous post, all of come with our own set of experiences, assumptions, and background. We will each interpret a piece of literature differently because no two people are the same. In the human race there is nothing the “same.” Sure, there are commonalities, sure some people might see the same thing in a piece of literature and may agree at times, but on the whole, if we include everyone, there is no way that everyone can agree on one “same” method or treat every work of literature the “same.” That’s like… communism. And we all know how that works out in the end, haha.

Do many interpretations equal a flawed work of literature?

Do many interpretations equal a flawed work of literature?

When interpretations arrive at different meanings for a text, does this suggest that the meaning of the text is uncertain or that it has been read incorrectly by one or both parties?

When is a text NOT interpreted multiple ways? Has a work EVER been interpreted just one single way? I find this hard to believe that one interpretation exists for every piece of literature out there. When a text is interpreted multiple ways it is not because of a flaw in the work itself. It is rather a product of the diversity of the readers and their individual personal economy. Each reader brings something to the table based upon their own personal experience and background. And, as Professor Downing says, this is called hetereoglossia. Each person is going to gloss a piece of literature different; they will interpret it according to what goes on their minds. And therefore, since no two snowflakes are alike, and no two people are alike, it is impossible for all people to think the same thing about a work of literature. So let’s not bash the piece of literature itself, it is what it is, and it is up to us, as individual readers, to interpret it how we see fit- all infinite interpretations that there may be.

Interpretation limited to then or now?

Interpretation limited to then or now?

Is interpretation primarily designed to understand the meaning of a text in its original context, or to understand its meaning for us in the present?

My answer would be that it is a combination of both. Let’s take the Bible for example. The Bible was written hundreds and hundreds of years ago, the world today is not the world it was when the Bible was written. Therefore, it is important to realize and understand the world in the times in which the Bible was written. One must understand the context before applying it to modern day times such as the present. But just because the Bible is an ancient text does not mean that the principles and stories do not apply anymore. There is something universal in the meaning, something that is still applicable hundreds of years later even if we are now driving cars instead of riding donkeys. So it is a combination of both for any text, even if it is a novel written 50 years ago. One must know where the author is coming from at the time, but also say, “Okay, now what I can get from this today, right here and now?” Looking into the past can help explain things today. And just because a piece of literature is written generations ago doesn’t mean that it isn’t applicable today or that we can only interpret it within the era in which it was written. Great works of literature have a universal meaning and truth that can be interpreted generations and years later.