Literature and Interpretative Communities - Literary Communication: On Relevant Concepts and Empirical Applications in Finland

Abstract

The interaction between a literary text and its readers is controlled by a variety of commercial, cultural and other factors. In literary communication, that which is aesthetically mediated enters the practical world of moral values or knowledge. Depending on the point of view adopted, we speak of the 'consumption', the 'use', or 'the reception' of literary works and their message The article discusses both the relevant concepts of literary com municatton and their empirical applications in Finland. The main focus is on studies that have shed light on the themes connected with the concept of intepretative community' Research findings concerning the temporal meaning shifts of literary works as well as the cultural differences on the reception of literature are referred to.