READER-
RESPONSE
CRITICISM
REPORTERS: ALVAREZ, RONALYN
SARIPA, JUNIELYN
WHAT IS READER-RESPONSE
CRITICISM ?
• Reader-Response Criticism emerged in the West
as a reaction to the textual emphasis of New
Criticism in the 1940s. It considers the act of
reading as a dialogue between the reader and
the text, where meaning is created through their
interaction.
•
Instead of viewing the text as having a
fixed and objective meaning, Reader-
Response Criticism recognizes that readers
bring their own thoughts, experiences, and
perspectives to the reading process, which
influences their understanding of the text.
KEY THEORISTS IN READER-RESPONSE
CRITICISM
• These theorists, among others, have
contributed to the development of Reader-
Response Criticism by emphasizing the role
of the reader in creating meaning from a
text and highlighting the importance of the
reader’s subjective response and
interpretation
1. WOLFGANG ISER
• Iser developed the concept of the “implied
reader.” He argued that every text creates
a virtual reader, referred to as the implied
reader, who is shaped by the text and its
gaps or ambiguities.
2. LOUISE ROSENBLATT
• Rosenblatt proposed the transactional theory of
reading, which views reading as a transaction between
the reader and the text. According to her theory, the
reader’s background, experiences, and beliefs play a
significant role in the interpretation of a text.
3. STANLEY FISH
• Fish is known for his work on interpretive
communities. He argued that readers belong
to different interpretive communities, which
are shaped by their shared beliefs, values, and
cultural backgrounds
4. NORMAN HOLLAND
• Holland focused on the psychological aspects of
reader response. He explored how readers’
personal experiences, desires, and unconscious
motivations shape their interpretation of a text.
EXAMPLES OF READER-RESPONSE
CRITICISM
“Pride and Prejudice” by Jane Austen
A reader's response to "Pride and Prejudice" may be
influenced by their own experiences with love,
relationships, and societal expectations.
They may identify with the characters and their
struggles, or they may critique the social norms and
gender roles depicted in the novel.
• The reader's interpretation may be shaped by their
understanding of the Regency era and the cultural
“To Kill a Mockingbird” by Harper Lee
A reader might respond emotionally to the themes of
racial injustice and prejudice in the novel.
Their personal background and experiences may
shape their interpretation of the characters and
events.
• For example, a reader who has experienced
discrimination may relate to the struggles of the
African American characters and feel a strong
emotional response to the injustices depicted in the
Some common
misconceptions about
Reader-Response
Criticism
• Any interpretation of a text is valid
• Ignores the author’s intention.
• Purely subjective and lacks objectivity.
Guide questions to help you conduct a
Reader-Response Criticism analysis:
1.How does the text evoke a response from you as a reader? What
emotions, thoughts, or ideas does it elicit?
2.Did you find yourself relating to any of the characters or
situations in the text? How did your personal experiences or
beliefs influence your interpretation of these elements?
3.Are there any parts of the text that are unclear or confusing?
How do you interpret them?
4.How do you relate to the characters or events in the text?
5.How does the text make you feel connected or disconnected
from the story?
