Reader Response Theory (RRT) is a literary theory that emphasizes the role of the reader in interpreting a text. The theory suggests that every reader brings their own experiences, biases, and emotions to a text, which affects their understanding and interpretation of it. While RRT has gained popularity among literary scholars, it has also faced criticism from some quarters.
Criticism of Reader Response Theory
1. Subjectivity
One of the main criticisms of Reader Response Theory is that it is highly subjective. Since the interpretation of a text is dependent on the reader's experiences and emotions, it is open to multiple interpretations. Critics argue that this makes it difficult to establish any objective standard for evaluating literary works.
2. Overemphasis on the reader
Another criticism of Reader Response Theory is that it overemphasizes the role of the reader at the expense of other factors that may influence the interpretation of a text, such as the author's intent, historical context, and literary conventions. Critics argue that RRT tends to reduce the text to a mere reflection of the reader's psyche, ignoring the broader socio-cultural and political context in which it was produced.
3. Lack of coherence
Reader Response Theory has been accused of lacking coherence as a literary theory. Critics argue that the theory is too broad and fails to provide a clear framework for analyzing literary works. While Reader Response Theory emphasizes the importance of the reader's response to a text, it does not provide any guidelines for evaluating the validity or relevance of different responses.
4. Neglect of the text
Finally, some critics argue that Reader Response Theory neglects the text itself. According to this view, RRT is so focused on the reader's response that it ignores the qualities of the text that may influence that response, such as structure, style, and language. Critics argue that this neglect of the text makes it difficult to evaluate literary works objectively.
See also:
Sranley FIsh / Is There a Text in This Class?
Wolfgang Iser / "Indeterminacy and the Reader's Response in Prose Fiction"
