Interpretowanie literatury: obrona intencjonalizmu i pluralizmu

I defend two positions concerning interpretation of literature: hypothetical in-tentionalism and critical pluralism. I will address four questions: What is the concept of interpretation? Do we interpret literature differently than non-literature? What are the aims of interpretation? Are there many acceptable interpretations of a given work (the question of pluralism)? My answers are: The concept of interpretation refers in particular to the interpretation of tropes and figures (metaphors, ironies, allegories, etc..). Literary tropes and figures can be interpreted the same way as non-literary. The question “What is the author trying to say with his literary work” is a legitimate question (although sometimes difficult) and seeking the answer to this question is a proper aim of interpretation. When interpreting a literary work readers can make several acceptable (and unacceptable) hypotheses about authorial intention; and the key to the meaning of a literary work is given by the best hypothesis from the position of an informed and competent reader. In addition to that an interpretation may have other legitimate aims (what meanings a text could have for non intended/non implied audience; making a text the best possible artwork etc.). Plurality of interpretations is therefore possible due to different acceptable hypotheses about author’s intentions and different intepretative aims.