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Reader-Response Criticism  
 

Reader-response criticism studies how the reader brings literature to life, rather than the author or the text.

 

 ►What does reader-response criticism focus on?
 ►What is the difference between a personal response and a conventional response?
 ►What questions should I ask when using reader-response criticism?
 ►Application Example
 ►For Further Exploration...

 

Reader-response criticism  focuses on the reader’s activity by
  • describing how readers should respond to a text, and
  • giving a critic’s own personal response.

When using reader-response criticism consider your ideas, thoughts, and beliefs about a text. Consider whether you are going to give a personal or a conventional response.

  • A personal response describes your thoughts, ideas, and beliefs (personal experiences) as they relate to a text.

  • A conventional response is an attempt to offer an ideal response that is shared by others, leaving out personal experiences, focusing on what an average reader may know or have experienced.


In reader-response criticism there are no right or wrong answers. You just respond to what you have read. 

When responding to a text with reader-response criticism ask yourself three questions:

  • How do I respond to this work?

  • How does the text shape my response?

  • How might other readers respond?

  • Application Example

    Consider using reader-response criticism to evaluate Hamlet. You could describe what you thought about the play or how your own experiences relate to the characters, plot, or any events that occurs in the play.

For Further Exploration...

Kelly Stevens, 22 April 2004