The concept of subjective interpretation applied to literary criticism suggests that individual responses to a given text will inevitably differ. A book review published in a prominent publication like The New York Times, while offering a professional critic’s perspective, does not represent a definitive or universally accepted interpretation. For example, one reader might connect with a novel’s themes of societal alienation, while another might focus on its stylistic innovations, leading to contrasting evaluations of the same work.
The diversity of reader response enriches literary discussion and contributes to a broader understanding of textual complexity. Acknowledging that interpretations vary validates individual perspectives and fosters more robust and nuanced critical engagement. Historically, the rise of reader-response theory challenged the notion of objective textual meaning, highlighting the active role of the reader in constructing meaning. This shift emphasized the importance of individual experience and perspective in shaping literary interpretation.
