Reader-Response Theory (Culler, 1981) examines the texts as a response to a

horizon of expectations; that there are multiple meanings of interpretations

in a text that is based on the reader's level of literary competence.
As a reader, while critically reading something you need to explore,

 The theme and purpose of the text

 Explain why or why not you like the text
 Flaws in the plot
 Explain if you agree with the writer’s perspective or if you disagree with it

For theme,

 Is this text racist?

 Is there anything in the text that degrades things like Democrats, religion,
adolescents, conservatives and any specific group?
 Are there any factual errors in the text? Is it despairing, falsely positive and
dark?

For language convention,

 Does text have high linguistic complexity?

 Does it use poor language?
 Are there any grammatical errors?
 Is it full of figures?
 Does it have too many emotional and childish details?
 Does the text lack cohesion? Moreover, does it make any point?

These questions will not support your reading response if you criticize them
without examples. Avoid criticizing any literary text as ‘ridiculous or perplexing’.
Hence, this may raise questions on your ability of understanding.

 Structure of a Response Journal

Choosing the right text is the very first step of compiling your reading-response
journal. To analyze it, you need to connect and converse with the text.
At the beginning of your response journal mention,

 Title of your work (the one you have chosen to respond)

 Main thesis and theme of the text
 Author’s name

Then, respond to these questions to structure your reading response journal

 Does the text have anything to do with your personal life? Try to establish a
connection.
 Does it hold the same opinion or perspective of the world as you have? What
is there you consider wrong and why? (Use examples, quotes to raise an
argument or to discuss your opinion).
 What is your learning? Or does the text challenge your opinion? If yes, how?
 What is there you like the most in the text? Reflect critically
 How could it have been better? (Fault-finding does not mean that you have to
criticize the text. Instead, use positive language and discuss the
shortcomings).
 Conclude your reading – response by writing your overall reaction and
recommendation.

Overall, Reader Response theory stresses on the reader’s role in constructing and
interpreting the meanings. Moreover, the theory does not separate the reader’s
response, belief, and understanding from the text.

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