Hermeneutics Quote by Frank Kermode
““The history of interpretation, the skills by which we keep alive in our minds the light and dark of past literature and past humanity ... is to an incalculable extent a history of error.””
About This Quote
Source Essay: “The History of Interpretation,” 1975
Interpretation preserves both light and dark aspects of literature, but also perpetuates errors over time.
In simple terms: Understanding literature involves recognizing its flaws.
Key Takeaway
Question assumptions in literary analysis.
Themes
literature
interpretation
history
error
Mood
analytical
inquisitive
Type
scholarly
philosophical
When to use this quote
- academic research
- teaching
- book clubs
Key Concepts
hermeneutics
critical theory
cognitive bias
Questions to Reflect On
- How do we identify interpretive errors?
- What role does bias play in reading?
A Different Perspective
Interpretations can become entrenched and resist revision.
![“I have referred to [Rabbi Shlomo ben Isaac] on occasion, but I doubt that you will find his name in any of my indices. In my view, he is important in the history of interpretation; and that is a subject I have not approached directly.” quote by Frank Moore Cross](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/3f4/frank-moore-cross-14963_doubt_i-have-referred-to-rabbi-shlomo-ben-isaa_2969829.jpg)
![“The history of interpretation [of the Bible] is fascinating; but that is something else.” quote by Frank Moore Cross](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/946/frank-moore-cross-14963_bible_the-history-of-interpretation-of-the-bib_729883.jpg)
![“Most of my professional work has been in these areas - as a historical critic, as a literary critic. I've done very little in the history of interpretation [as Elie Wiesel has]. I've been interested in it, but I have not contributed to that field, really.” quote by Hershel Shanks](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/6fd/hershel-shanks-25800_areas_most-of-my-professional-work-has-been-in_2052259.jpg)
