Toward An Aesthetic Of Reception by Hans Robert Jauss

This seminal work explores the dynamic relationship between literary texts and their readers, proposing a shift from traditional author-centric criticism to a more reader-focused approach. It introduces the concept of the "horizon of expectations," suggesting that a reader's cultural and historical context significantly influences their interpretation and appreciation of a text. By examining how literature is received over time, it highlights the evolving nature of meaning and the active role of the audience in shaping literary value and significance.

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