How far, is too far?? ... ;)

The article contrasts the views of two well-respected individuals of literature, George Will and Stephen Greenblatt. Both present arguments to which the boundary of analysis should apply when considering the context of a piece of literature.

Will believes that these works are being over-assessed by critics who deem that the context of a play is vital when considering the meaning of a piece. He states, “By “deconstructing,” or politically decoding, or otherwise attacking the meaning of literary works, critics strip literature of its authority.” Will believes that overzealous critics become in control of a text’s purpose when they analyze it too far. “Critics displace literature and critics displace authors as bestowers of meaning.”

Greenblatt, on the other hand, believes that the time period in which a work of literature is written is completely relevant to the meaning of the text. He believes that these pieces are intended to be interpreted through context: “But art, the art that matters, is not cement. It is mobile, complex, elusive, disturbing… The best way to kill our literary inheritance is to turn it into a decorous liturgical celebration of the new world order.” A major focal point to Greenblatt’s argument is derived from the Tempest. He feels that Shakespeare was most definitely commenting on the nature of imperialism—a prominent subject during Shakespeare’s era. “It is, I believe, all but possible to understand these plays without grappling with the dark energies upon which Shakespeare’s art so powerfully draws.”

            After reading both arguments, I would have to say I agree with both. I don’t see how it’s possible to come from only Will’s or Greenblatt’s perspective. I believe many pieces of literature call for the attention of someone both considering the context as well as respecting the author’s territory over the purpose of his/her work. It would be ignorant to throw out the importance of the time period in which the piece was written; which allows readers to better understand where an author is coming from. However, it is also important to respect the boundary between the author’s intentions for the piece and the temptation to over-analyze. At that point the reader begins taking too much from the text, and thus taking away from it desired purpose.