Literary-Criticism-Readers-Response

Reader Response Theory

Overview

• Reader Response Theory emphasizes the role of the reader in interpreting texts.

• Originated in the late 20th century.

• Challenges traditional literary criticism that focuses solely on the text or the author.

• Suggests that meaning is not fixed but is created through the interaction between the reader and the text.

Key Figures

• Louise Rosenblatt: Introduced the notion of transactional reading, highlighting that readers engage with texts actively.

• Stanley Fish: Advocated for the idea of interpretive communities, focusing on how individual experiences and contexts shape textual understanding.

• Their work paves the way for reader-centered approaches in literary studies.

Main Premises

• Readers actively create meaning from texts rather than passively receiving it.

• Individual experiences, emotions, and backgrounds significantly shape one's interpretation.

• Invites diverse interpretations, suggesting no single meaning exists.

• Positions the reader as central to the reading experience.

Examples of Reader Response

'To Kill a Mockingbird'

• Readers from different backgrounds may have contrasting reactions to themes of race and morality.

• Example: A reader who has experienced racial discrimination might have a different interpretation of the trial of Tom Robinson compared to someone from a privileged background.

• Illustrates how personal context influences understanding and emotional responses to the narrative.

'The Great Gatsby'

• Readers may relate the character of Jay Gatsby to their own experiences of ambition and failure.

• Some interpret Gatsby as a tragic hero, others critique his moral failings.

• Differing interpretations showcase how personal aspirations and societal contexts shape comprehension of the American Dream as portrayed in the novel.