How should we think about interpreting literature?

Encyclopedia of Opinion

Question: How should we think about interpreting literature?
Position1 of 4›: Formalism and New Criticism

This position presents Formalism and New Criticism as a way to interpret literature. It holds that meaning resides in the text alone—its language, structure, and form—rather than in the author's intent or the reader's response, which it treats as irrelevant.

Supporting arguments · 1

The text alone determines its meaning
When trying to interpret a literary work, readers should pay close attention to the text itself, disregarding outside influences. This method emphasizes close reading, form, irony, paradox, symbols, patterns, and allusions.