On Reading Joycean Text And Criticism: Response To Michael Murphy

Vesala-Varttala, Tanja

English Studies 2001 82 (4)308-322
(ReLIS:jul:juljig:y:2001:v:82:i:4:p:308-322)

Abstract:

Reading in the Joycean context is necessarily a dynamic and creative practice, requiring energy and skill as well as negotiative input. One has to have both courage to put oneself ‘onto the stage’ (sometimes at the risk of ‘over’interpretation) and willingness to reassess and revise one’s interpretive views and desires. The history of Joyce studies manifests a strong emphasis on the importance of rereading, of the text, of one’s own reading, and of other readings. Not all readings and rereadings are equally valid – there are always interpretations which need to be questioned and resisted. But meanings do not reside either simply in the text or simply in the reader. Reading (especially rereading) is an activity which grants readers and texts a cocreative role and in the course of which interpretations are continuously worked and reworked.

Keywords: Crítica ; Literatura irlandesa ; literatura inglesa ; Crítica textual
Pages: 308-322
Volume: 82
Year: 2001
Issue: 4

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