Readers Response Alex Chipper Brad Kimmy and Marie

Readers Response Alex, Chipper, Brad, Kimmy , and Marie

Definition Readers Response – The meaning of the text is created by the reader themselves based on their personal views and nothing else. �The Reader’s memory and experiences influences their interpretation. �One is not concerned with the author’s intentions, but only of one’s personal opinions.

Background �Stanley Fish’s early work was the beginning of contemporary reader’s response. He suggested that literature was a powerful and affective force. People need to survey the reading. German critic Wolfgang Iser said that text contains gaps or blanks. The reader needs to interpret it how they want. �It is good to be used when one wants to interpret a piece of literature using their own experiences and knowledge. It is a personal view on a piece of literature. �Questions: �How do you respond initially to a piece of writing? �How does your views change as you personally change? �How might others respond to the piece of work? �Who is the ideal reader of the text? �How does the author influence you?

Pros �It recognizes that different people view works differently, and that people’s interpretations change over time. �One can never be wrong because it is based on opinion.

Cons �Reader Response criticism tends to make interpretation too subjective. �It does not provide adequate criteria for evaluating one reader comparison to another.

Interpretation of “Making A Fist” �This man is on a physically and mentally demanding journey. On this journey he is faced with the battle between life and death. When one makes a fist it signifies strength and a will to live, but when one can no longer make a fist, it shows they have given up. The man overcame his journey and fought to survive and stayed true to himself.

Works Cited Burris, Skyler. "What Is Reader Response Criticism? " Yahoo! Contributor Network. Yahoo! Inc. , 18 May 2011. Web. 01 May 2012. Murfin, Ross, and Supryia M. Ray. "Virtua. Lit: Critical Approaches. " Default. Bedford Books, 1998. Web. 01 May 2012.