Interpreting Classical Texts (Duckworth Classical Essays) - Softcover

Heath, Malcolm

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0715631748 ISBN 13: 9780715631744

Publisher: Bloomsbury 3PL, 2007

Synopsis

How should I interpret a classical text? However I interpret it, someone else will so do differently, and even the nature of the interpreter's task is a matter of dispute; consensus is not a realistic prospect. Malcolm Heath sees the inevitability of such disagreements, not as a problem to be deplored, but as a constructive force, at once an essential part of the process of enquiry and a reflection of the endless diversity of the questions that interest the readers of classical texts. Accordingly he argues for an approach to interpretation that is theoretically reflective and committed to an open-ended, yet rigorously critical, pluralism. Against that background he examines a range of issues in literary theory, including the nature and significance of authorial intention, the relevance of context and reception, and the possibility and value of historically oriented interpretation.

About this title

About the Author:

Malcolm Heath is Professor of Greek Language and Literature at the University of Leeds. His publications include The Poetics of Greek Tragedy (1987), Political Comedy in Aristophanes (1987), Unity in Greek Poetics (1989) and Hermogenes on Issues (1995).

About this edition

• Publisher: Bloomsbury 3PL
• Publication date: 2007
• ISBN 10: 0715631748
• ISBN 13: 9780715631744
• Binding: Paperback
• Number of pages: 154