Lit Theory Interpretation – Medieval Theory

600 C.E. – 1500 C.E.

The thrust of Medieval Literary Theory was to interpret and derive meaning from the scriptures.   There were numerous accounts and texts that theologians wished to distill into one accurate collection that held the word of God.   Key issues that evolved during this era were the relationships between words and the objects they represent, deriving multiple or layered interpretations of text, and distinctions and value of the literal against the metaphorical.  Augustine, Aquinas and Alighieri establish and reflect the views of the Medieval Theorists.