Texts and readers∗

All references and footnotes for this paper were supplied by the editor. I have tried to insert references in the text that Iser has at various times cited (cf. Iser, 1970, 1975, 1978). The footnoting is more from my own standpoint. (Editor's Note)

Abstract

The interaction of readers with fictional literary texts is explored. Such texts must be constituted by readers themselves during a dynamic process of creating both the text‐sense and the larger contextual background. That process includes such tasks as: adopting a viewpoint, creating ideations, images, or integrative gestalts, dealing with empty slots or negations, and co‐ordinating foreground with background, theme with horizion, and current perspectives with previous or anticipated ones. The dynamics of reading are explicated as a continual evolution, modification, and shifting of viewpoint, perspective, and ideation as the text is progressively understood. Since fictional discourse need not reflect prevailing systems of meaning and norms or values, readers gain new detachment from their own presuppositions and expectations; by constituting and formulating text‐sense, readers in effect are constituting and formulating their own cognition and becoming aware of the operations for doing so.

Notes

All references and footnotes for this paper were supplied by the editor. I have tried to insert references in the text that Iser has at various times cited (cf. Iser, 1970, 1975, 1978). The footnoting is more from my own standpoint. (Editor's Note)