Theories of Interpretation: Classical to Romantic Hermeneutics

Abstract

An introduction to some central concepts in literary hermeneutics and interpretive theory (Interpretation, understanding, criticism, evaluation, meaning, etc.), and to the semiotic groundings of hermeneutics. This is followed by an overview of the main approaches in classical hermeneutics, from Greek philosophers and Homeric critics, through medieval poetics and criticism, to early modern developments. The overview concludes with an introduction to Schleiermacher's general hermeneutics in the Romantic period.

Keywords: Hermeneutics, Interpretation, Literary theory, Criticism, Meaning, Significance, Schleiermacher