Hermeneutics
Hermeneutics is defined as the branch of knowledge that deals with the theoretical and methodological aspects of interpretation. Hermeneutics may be applicable to a variety of contexts including ancient/biblical text, literature, and philosophy; especially in dealing with those texts which are far removed from common communication and understanding (Audi, 1999). As an analysis of interpretation, hermeneutics offers a set of rules for dissecting and understanding the interpretations of biblical and literary texts and helps provide insight into the meaning their authors were trying to bring to light (Mantzavinos, 2016). Traditionally, hermeneutics has been employed in interpreting biblical literature via four major types of hermeneutics: the literal, moral, allegorical, and analogical (Britannica). Literal hermeneutics focus on the idea that scripture itself should be interpreted “according to the plain meaning” and are often associated with the belief that biblical verbiage is divine (Britannica). Moral hermeneutics assert that biblical text should be interpreted through ethical lessons which may be drawn out of the scriptural text (Britannica). Allegorical hermeneutics follow that scripture should be interpreted as referencing a greater meaning beyond that which is superficially portrayed within the writings (Britannica). Finally, analogical hermeneutics subscribe to a “mystical interpretation” in which its principles suggest that biblical texts foreshadow the future (Britannica).
As John Milton’s Paradise Lost is a reiteration of the Bible, many of these hermeneutical categories may be considered through it. For example, Literal hermeneutics may be applied to Paradise lost according to the principle that Milton’s text should be interpreted literally as a historical account of the Fall. Therefore, such a theology would likely contend that there actually exists a physical bridge to Hell on which demons travel to plague humanity. From the perspective of moral hermeneutics, one may interpret Paradise Lost according to its ethical stance on Satan’s actions and his resulting punishments. Through such a standpoint, it may be seen that Milton’s intended interpretation of Paradise Lost was to accentuate Satan’s hubris and arrogance and the ethical ramifications of his devious actions that ultimately led him to suffering. Following Joseph Wittreich’s analysis, Paradise Lost may be considered through allegorical hermeneutics in how Milton may have written his poem as an allegory of his surrounding, seventeenth century, society. In particular, Wittreich brings to mind the competing feminist and masculinist hermeneutics in Milton’s poem in how Milton’s contradictory language may support an either feminist or masculinist interpretation; which themselves represent the debates of the time. Finally, analogical hermeneutics would likely focus on Milton’s foreshadowing phrases regarding redemption and would form interpretations about how mankind would bruise Satan’s head and Satan bruise man’s heel.
Hermeneutics may be related to literary canon in how those literary works that are deemed essential and influential for a particular time, are classified as such through hermeneutical interpretation. By being thoroughly analyzed for their meanings and interpretations, works of literature that stand out with impactful interpretations may be categorized as literary canon.
References:
- Audi, Robert. The Cambridge Dictionary of Philosophy (2nd ed.). Cambridge: Cambridge University Press. p. 377. (1999).
- Mantzavinos, C., “Hermeneutics”, The Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy (Winter 2016 Edition), Edward N. Zalta (ed.), plato.stanford.edu/archives/win2016/entries/hermeneutics/>.
- The Editors of Encyclopaedia Britannica. “Hermeneutics”. Encyclopaedia Britannica, Encyclopaedia Britannica, inc, www.britannica.com/topic/hermeneutics-principles-of-biblical-interpretation
