Abstract
The aim of this paper is to examine Iser's 'reader response' theory with special focus on Iser's concept of 'dynamic reading' and 'blanks' as major narrative devices. The researcher will discuss how blanks or gaps function, through applying Iser's theory on William Faulkner's "A Rose for Emily". She will discuss how gaps in characters and events engage the reader in a dynamic process of reading which leads to revealing the text's meaning. This paper is an application of text-reader interaction which, as Iser states, generates meaning. It is worth mentioning here that Iser views meaning as an effect to be experienced rather than an object to be defined. It is here where Iser's contribution to the world of criticism becomes clear. He redirects focus from the text as an object to the subjectivity of the reader.
Highlights
Wolfgang Iser is a major theorist from 1970's German 'Constance' school which has set the course for much of social and communication theories in the contemporary German intellectual arena
Iser spotlights the aesthetic value of the reading process
Interaction between text and reader is generated again. This interaction is what Iser refers to as the aesthetic response which is the emblem of reception theory
Summary
Wolfgang Iser is a major theorist from 1970's German 'Constance' school which has set the course for much of social and communication theories in the contemporary German intellectual arena. Iser states that the text and the reader are not strictly connected, separating the text and the reader. He states that it is "the imbalance between text and reader" which makes communication possible and advances it at the same time (Iser, 2010, 1526). Interaction between text and reader is generated again This interaction is what Iser refers to as the aesthetic response which is the emblem of reception theory. Aesthetic response stimulates the reader's imagination which gives life to the intended effects (Iser, 2000, 311). It is exactly here where Iser's theory of gaps or blanks emerges
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
