Postcritical Practices and Literary Interpretation

Abstract

In light of the humanities’ current emphasis on pluralism of research methods and perspectives, this article presents a post-critical approach and methodology and posits their relevance in the study of literature. Starting with Rita Felski’s theses and with a brief overview of the contributions of other participants in postcritical practice (Christopher Castiglia, Matthew Mullins), special attention is paid to the topic of literary interpretation—i,e., the assumptions of its interpretation in this research perspective—“suspicious interpretation” / “opening to the text,” “hypercritical analytical style” / “affective hermeneutics,” “pleasure of criticism” / “pleasure of reading,” etc.