Armstrong argues that conflicting readings occur because readers with opposing suppositions about language, literature, and life can generate irreconcilable hypotheses about a text. Without endorsing a particular critical methodology, the author offers a theory designed to help readers better understand the causes and consequences of interpretive disagreement so that they may make more informed choices about the various interpretive strategies available to them. Originally published in 1990. A UNC Press Enduring Edition -- UNC Press Enduring Editions use the latest in digital technology to make available again books from our distinguished backlist that were previously out of print. These editions are published unaltered from the original, and are presented in affordable paperback formats, bringing readers both historical and cultural value.