346. Theory 16: Reader-Response Theory

Definition:
This theory was preceded by Practical Criticism. It focuses on the reader as active interpreters. Until interpreted, the text has no meaning. Fish interprets this as "interpretive communities". What is horror book for one may be hilarious for another. "The Scarlett Letter" is about puritan society or a story of personal redemption.
The individual reader and their reaction or response is the observant factor in this theory. The readers create the meanings. Reading is a transaction. They have their ideologies. Reader must be active and pay attention. But it can't be personal response but belong to collective response. 

There is the Implied Author who hypothetically thinks of an Implied Reader.

Key Figures:
Stanley Fish
Norman Holland
Wolfgang Iser
Roland Barthes
Jauss

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