1. Alex, Chipper, Brad, Kimmy,and Marie

2. Definition Readers Response – The meaning of the text is created by the reader themselves based on their personal views and nothing else. The Reader’s memory and experiences influences their interpretation. One is not concerned with the author’s intentions, but only of one’s personal opinions.

3. Background Stanley Fish’s early work was the beginning of contemporary reader’s response. He suggested that literature was a powerful and affective force. People need to survey the reading. German critic Wolfgang Iser said that text contains gaps or blanks. The reader needs to interpret it how they want. It is good to be used when one wants to interpret a piece of literature using their own experiences and knowledge. It is a personal view on a piece of literature. Questions: How do you respond initially to a piece of writing? How does your views change as you personally change? How might others respond to the piece of work? Who is the ideal reader of the text? How does the author influence you?

4. Pros It recognizes that different people view works differently, and that people’s interpretations change over time. One can never be wrong because it is based on opinion.

5. Cons Reader Response criticism tends to make interpretation too subjective. It does not provide adequate criteria for evaluating one reader comparison to another.

6. Interpretation of “Making A Fist” This man is on a physically and mentally demanding journey. On this journey he is faced with the battle between life and death. When one makes a fist it signifies strength and a will to live, but when one can no longer make a fist, it shows they have given up. The man overcame his journey and fought to survive and stayed true to himself.

7. Works Cited Burris, Skyler. "What Is Reader Response Criticism?" Yahoo! Contributor Network. Yahoo! Inc., 18 May 2011. Web. 01 May 2012. Murfin, Ross, and Supryia M. Ray. "VirtuaLit: Critical Approaches." Default. Bedford Books, 1998. Web. 01 May 2012.