BEYOND TEXTS : THE ROLE OF HERMENEUTICS IN UNDERSTANDING AND INTERPRETING NARRATIVES

Abstract Hermeneutics plays a crucial role in the field of literary studies, as it provides a theoretical frame in order to interpret literary texts in the field of literary studies hermeneutics plays a crucial role in the interpretation of literary texts with depth and subtlety. Interpretation refers to how individuals proceed with literature. Reading a given literary piece implies a journey of deciphering the meanings that lie within it as well as the intentions behind its lines, in terms of both author's and reader's backgrounds. At this level comes into play hermeneutics, or the theory of interpretation. It represents a framework that has long evolved in literature as an approach that tackles texts with a deeper understanding. The present paper explores the evolution of hermeneutics and traces its roots from early theological interpretations of sacred texts to its recent applications in literary theory. The paper also examines how hermeneutics has shaped how we read and interpret literature by looking at the work of prominent figures. Keywords: Hermeneutics, Heidegger, interpretation, understanding, Hermeneutic circle.