Conflict of Interpretations in Literary Reflection: Productivity, Nature, Ways of Solution

The article considers the literary problem of a literary work interpretation in the context of the general cultural problem of understanding. The attitude of poststructuralist literary criticism to interpretation is characterized on the basis of the concept of "conflict of interpretations", developed within the framework of philosophical hermeneutics (P. Ricœur). In particular, the refusal to evaluate the interpretation is criticized, the importance of intersubjective verification of the meanings articulated in the process of interpretation is emphasized, and particular attention is paid to U. Eco's reflections about the "boundaries of interpretation". The process of a literary work interpretation is correlated with literary-critical evaluation, the main components of which (the subject of interpretation, its basis, object, and character according to R. Gromiak) undergo a distinctive transformation, emphasizing the dynamic nature of interpretation, the fundamental incompleteness of the meaning-making process, the dialogical nature of meaning. Interpretive strategies of modern literary criticism are characterized as derived from two typical for European culture interpretative systems – ancient (mythological) and Christian (religious), taking into account P. Ricœur’s regressive-progressive method. Their combination and constant transformation of the configuration of this combination show the vectors of development of European culture, its current state, determine the arsenal of interpretive strategies used in the process of meaning-making within various discourses, including art and literature. The conflict between the regressive psychoanalytic and teleological Hegelian conceptions of human nature, outlined by P. Ricœur within the conflict of interpretations, is explained by the contradictions between the ancient and Christian interpretative systems (ways of meaning-making), which are genetically interconnected, complementary and at the same time different