With a fresh and innovative perspective, Leonie Kirchhoff introduces an interdisciplinary xamination of literary understanding, drawing upon cognitive, educational, and literary studies. At the heart of the study is a fascinating exploration of explanatory annotations written by university students, providing valuable insights into the complexities of understanding poetry in general and the timeless verses of Shakespeare\'s \"Sonnet 43\" in particular. The students\' annotations serve as a distinctive methodological tool, en abling the author to critically evaluate the existing research on understanding as presented by the three fields of study. Through this rigorous exploration, the author maps and reflects on long-term hermeneutic processes. This scholarly work provides a unique contribution to the field and offers an essential resource for academics, researchers, and scholars seeking a deeper understanding of the intricate processes involved in literary understanding.