Interpreting a text

Text and Context: 
Reading and 
Interpreting A Text 
Therefore, we can conclude that both origin of writing and receiving by readers 
are equally important. Authorial intentions are important but they are not the end 
in itself. Intentions can be discovered or rediscovered in later stage also. Any text 
may have unintended consequences (unexpected by the author at the time of 
writing). Reading is a problem-solving activity wherein the reader connects the 
content of the text with contemporary issues. Texts are alive only when they are 
carefully and critically reappraised rather than blindly worshipped. No single 
method of interpretation can address all the issues. It depends upon the context. 
Interpretive problems can be witnessed in any school of thought. Every author 
and reader has their own strengths and accordingly each will do justice to the 
text. 
Check Your Progress Exercise 3 
Note: i) Use the space given below for your answer. 
ii) Check your progress with the model answer given at the end of 
the unit. 
1.
What is the difference between scholarship and politics? 
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1.5 DIFFERENT SCHOOLS OF INTERPRETATION 
Humans continuously interpret contexts and texts around them. Students of 
political theory read and decide between rival interpretations of political texts. As 
a subject constantly fascinated with its classic texts, political theory requires an 
interpretation of not just the ‘words’ but also the ‘meaning’ of these classic texts. 
Such an interpretation is essential to understand the statements made long ago in 
Constantly changing 
data 
Changing 
Interpretation 2 
Changing 
Interpretation 1 

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