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Why is C wrong? Is it because "unifying themes" is a characteristic of Formalism, not Reader Response theory?

Apparently, the credited response is E, which seemed out of scope at the time.

A and B are wrong because they support the formalists, i.e., they support expression of an artistic work only within the direct, tangible limits of the original composition.

C is wrong because it does not support reader-response theory: the reader finds themes that reveal the novelist's concerns, not the reader's concerns.

D is wrong because it regards "conventional symbols" that convey "commonly understood meanings"- this does not support reader-response theory because it does not support interpretations of a work or idea that suggest fluid or multifaceted meanings (because they communicate "commonly understood meanings"). Furthermore, D regards the author of an expression, not an audience's interpretation of that expression.

E is RIGHT because it demonstrates a perspective of a popular work that is in contrast with the established perspective, thus promoting sympathy for reader-response theory by rejecting a single, rigid perspective.

HTH

MW

C is wrong because it does not support reader-response theory: the reader finds themes that reveal the novelist's concerns, not the reader's concerns.

Got it. I'm an idiot.

niederbomb wrote:

C is wrong because it does not support reader-response theory: the reader finds themes that reveal the novelist's concerns, not the reader's concerns.

Got it. I'm an idiot.

C's a little tricky, so don't beat yourself up. Always keep in mind exactly what the answer choice is saying, otherwise your mind can very easily warp it into something else.

MW