In praise of misreading

Authors

  • Jean-Jacques Lecercle University of Paris Ouest Nanterre

Keywords:

Misreading

Abstract

The concept of misreading is approached through a discussion of Althusser’s distinction between a true and a just interpretation. Misreadings are plotted against a gradient that goes from blatant or erroneous misreadings to creative misprisions. The gradient is illustrated first with a discussion of Carroll’s Jabberwocky, interpretations of the poem by fous littéraires and a translation into Latin, then with a short piece by the British humorist Paul Jennings, lastly by a discussion of Badiou’s interpretation of Beckett. The essay concludes on a characterization of the concept of strong reading.

Author Biography

Jean-Jacques Lecercle, University of Paris Ouest Nanterre

Emeritus Professor of English literature and linguistics