Literature as the Third Element
Literature as the Third Element

Summary/Abstract: When discussing literature, one needs to take into consideration various theories of translation and hermeneutics in interpreting a text. Hermeneutics, or the science of interpretation, “develops from the old art of divination and becomes the most important critical instrument of producing texts” (Spăriosu 9). Using several hermeneutic lenses, I would like to show that literature creates an appropriate context for a reconceptualization of the word dialogue. Literature mediates the reconfiguration of the word dialogue into a triad, comprising two persons (self+ other / I+ you) and a third constituent. How can one conceptualize this third element? Why is it relevant for the interaction between individuals? How does literature contribute to raising awareness of the presence of a third participant in a dialogue?

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