Journal of Language and Literary Studies 53
HIDDEN TRUTHS IN JONATHAN SWIFT’S GULLIVER’S TRAVELS Kornelije Kvas, University of Belgrade – Faculty of Philology, kornelije.kvas@fil.bg.ac.rs Original scientific paper DOI: 10.31902/fll.40.2022.3
Abstract: The paper presents an approach to the literature based on an analysis of three factors: the historical reader, the historical author, and the informed reader. By applying synchronic and diachronic methods of reading, an acceptable critical reading of a literary work is proposed. The paper aims to explain the functioning of all three factors through the interpretation of Jonathan Swift’s Gulliver’s Travels. The result of the interpretation is the discovery of the truth about the true nature of colonialism, which is still relevant today. At the same time, the paper shows the importance of applying the appropriate methodology in the study of literature as a way of achieving and preserving its autonomy in relation to the other humanities. . Keywords: literary method, historical reader, historical author, informed reader, Swift, Gulliver’s Travels
Introduction A sustainable literary interpretation comes as a result of the interplay of at least three factors: the historical reader, the historical author, and the present (informed) reader. This taxonomy is not prescriptive, but descriptive. An acceptable interpretation should take into account the significance of the literary work at the time of its creation, but also its present significance. The first two factors are based on the knowledge of the specific literary and historical context. The third implies language and literary competence and relates to the current context and the practices of reading. The third factor is particularly significant because it encompasses and binds together the previous two. The informed reader must not be late to the party, he must be familiar with the most important previous interpretations of the given text. Literary competence is an indispensable part of good critical practice. The criterion the contemporary, informed reader, leaves the possibility to