Reader-Response Theory and Literature Discussions: a Springboard for Exploring Literary Texts

Reader-response theory is based on the assumption that a literary work takes place in the mutual relationship between the reader and the text. According to this theory, the meaning is constructed through a transaction between the reader and the text within a particular context. Readers assume multiple roles when responding to a variety of forms of literature. The process of developing responses facilitates active and meaningful reading and increases emotional and intellectual participation in the text, which ultimately provides learners with better comprehension and awareness of the text. The potential value of classroom discussions helps learners to express their emotional reactions, to elicit their responses, to nourish their perspectives for furthering depth of their interpretation, to corroborate their opinions and share their responses for building a social relationship. It is crucial that learners are directed to perform more adequately in response to texts and actively engage in dialogues to pose literal and inferential questions, to explore a range of possible meanings and to foster cognitive development and comprehension.