Chinese Journal of Literary Criticism

No.2, 2019

 

To Obtain the Meaning, to Meet Another Mind, and to Everyone’s Delight: On a Hermeneutic Path in Chinese Literature and Art

(Abstract)

 

Liu Xuguang

 

The peculiarity of the hermeneutic path of Chinese literature and art lies in that it could only happen in the co-presence of participants from one same cultural field, wherein tacit agreement or consensus is reached and interpretation emerges. The emergence of interpretation and the exchanges of ideas are premised upon the common feeling and compassion, the shared mentality and virtue on the part of all the agents in a specific cultural context. It is not the ultimate goal to interpret the meanings of texts and the real intentions of the authors. As a means of communication, Chinese literary and artistic interpretation aims to bring about a communicative effect that satisfies all and fosters a mutual affinity.