What is the term for understandings gained by interpreting beyond the literal text?

The term referring to understandings gained by interpreting beyond the literal text is inference. Inference involves drawing conclusions or making interpretations based on evidence and reasoning presented in the text, rather than just taking the words at face value. This process requires readers to apply their own knowledge, experiences, and critical thinking skills in order to connect ideas, derive meanings, and fill in gaps that are not explicitly stated.

Reading for inference allows deeper engagement with the material, helping to uncover themes, motives, emotions, and implications that the author might have intended but did not explicitly detail. It enhances comprehension and enriches the reading experience, making it an essential skill in literary analysis and interpretation. The other choices, while related concepts, do not specifically capture the idea of deriving meaning beyond the literal text in the same way that inference does.