Meaning, Reception, and the Use of Classics: Theoretical Considerations in a Chinese Context

Zhang Longxi*

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Chapters, Conference Papers, Creative and Literary WorksRGC 12 - Chapter in an edited book (Author)peer-review

1 Citation (Scopus)

Abstract

Reception has invigorated classic studies and become a major way to discuss the history and function of classics past and present. Reception theory maintains that meaning is always mediated, and indeed classics have been interpreted from different ideological and political stances and made use of in different time periods. Facing the various uses of classics, some of which evidently deviate from the textual meaning in an allegorical interpretation, it becomes important to ask—how does one define the validity of interpretation and guard against “overinterpretation” (Umberto Eco) or “hermeneutic nihilism” (H.G. Gadamer)? This chapter discusses such theoretical issues with regard to the reception of Greek and Roman classics in China and suggests a way to reach a balance between the classics and their interpretations.
Original languageEnglish
Title of host publicationReading the Past Across Space and Time
Subtitle of host publicationReceptions and World Literature
EditorsBrenda Deen Schildgen, Ralph Hexter
Place of PublicationNew York
PublisherPalgrave Macmillan
Pages299-319
ISBN (Electronic)978-1-137-55885-5
ISBN (Print)978-1-137-56543-3
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 2016

Publication series

NameGeocriticism and Spatial Literary Studies
ISSN (Print)2578-9694
ISSN (Electronic)2634-5188

Bibliographical note

Full text of this publication does not contain sufficient affiliation information. With consent from the author(s) concerned, the Research Unit(s) information for this record is based on the existing academic department affiliation of the author(s).

Research Keywords

  • Aesthetic Experience
  • Chinese Intellectual
  • Hermeneutic Circle
  • Literal Sense
  • Textual Coherence

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