Abstract: Focusing on contemporary multicultural art and literature, Susan Sontag gives her unique opinion on how to appreciate artistic and literary works in her Against Interpretation. In this book, Sontag holds that a new sensibility is needed in such a versatile society. This paper illustrates the concept of new sensibility and explains three theoretical branches of new sensibility. To better interpret the new sensibility, it cites literary works and writers as examples, such as Franz Kafka’s Castle, Samuel Beckett’s Waiting for Godot, Simone Weil, etc. The research shows that the conventional ways of appreciating art and literature is out of date, especially in such a busy and noisy modern age. It is obvious that the more colorful the social development, the more diversified the literary phenomenon. The keystone of contemporary literature is sensation and form , not its content. Therefore, it requires a new sensibility. 

Key words: Susan Sontag; Against Interpretation; new sensibility

CONTENTS

Abstract

摘要：

1. Introduction.1

   1.1 Introduction to Susan Sontag and Against Interpretation

   1.2 Literature Review

2. Literary and Aesthetic Concepts of New Sensibility in Against Interpretation.3

2.1 “Against Interpretation” 

2.2 The Style Theory

2.3 “Camp”

3. Conclusion .10

Bibliography.11

Acknowledgements12