Transaction

Definition

In the context of transactional theory, a transaction refers to the dynamic and reciprocal exchange between a reader and a text, where meaning is created through the interaction of both parties. This concept emphasizes that understanding literature is not solely about the author's intention or the text itself, but rather about how readers engage with and interpret the text based on their personal experiences and contexts.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Transactional theory posits that meaning is not fixed but is co-constructed by readers through their engagement with the text.
2. The theory was developed in part as a response to more traditional literary criticism that focused solely on authorial intent or textual analysis.
3. In a transaction, both the reader's background and the text's characteristics play significant roles in shaping understanding and interpretation.
4. The reader's emotional responses and personal connections to a text can greatly influence their interpretation and experience of literature.
5. Transactional theory promotes the idea that every reading experience is unique, as each reader brings their individual perspectives and histories to the text.

Review Questions

• How does transactional theory redefine the role of readers in interpreting literature?
  • Transactional theory shifts the focus from viewing readers as passive consumers of texts to recognizing them as active participants in meaning-making. It posits that readers engage dynamically with texts, bringing their own experiences, emotions, and contexts to the reading process. This interaction allows for multiple interpretations of a single text, highlighting that understanding is collaborative rather than fixed.
• Discuss how the concept of transactions influences our understanding of authorial intent in literary criticism.
  • In transactional theory, authorial intent is acknowledged but not prioritized over reader interpretation. The emphasis is placed on how readers interact with the text to derive meaning, suggesting that a text can resonate differently with various audiences regardless of the author's original purpose. This perspective challenges traditional views by asserting that understanding literature involves a shared process between text and reader rather than a one-way communication from author to audience.
• Evaluate the implications of transactional theory for teaching literature in educational settings.
  • Teaching literature through the lens of transactional theory encourages educators to facilitate discussions that value student interpretations and personal connections to texts. This approach promotes critical thinking and engagement, as students are invited to share their unique perspectives while interacting with literature. By fostering an environment where diverse interpretations are celebrated, educators can help students develop deeper analytical skills and an appreciation for varied meanings derived from their reading experiences.

Related terms

Reader-response theory: A critical approach that focuses on the reader's experience and interpretation of a text, highlighting the active role of readers in creating meaning.

Intertextuality: The relationship between texts, where one text influences or interacts with another, enriching the meaning through these connections.

Contextualism: An approach that considers the social, historical, and cultural contexts in which a text is produced and received, shaping its interpretation.