The Theory and Practice of Reception Study: Reading Race and Gender in Twain, Faulkner, Ellison, and Morrison

This book explores how Faulkner, Morrison, Mark Twain, and Ralph Ellison's novels challenge racial and sexual divisions in the South and contemporary culture. It discusses reader-response and reception study theories and proposes a reception study based on Michel Foucault's historical or archaeological methods. It examines the institutional contexts of readers' responses, including academic criticism, reviews, and online responses.

Format: Hardback
Length: 212 pages
Publication date: 22 April 2022
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

This comprehensive book delves into the profound examination of novels by renowned authors such as Faulkner, Morrison, Mark Twain, and Ralph Ellison. Through a meticulous analysis, it emerges that these literary masterpieces actively challenge the deeply entrenched racial and sexual divisions that have characterized both the South and contemporary culture throughout the nineteenth and twentieth centuries. Furthermore, the book explores various theories of reader-response and reception study, offering a novel theory of reception study that draws upon historical and archaeological methodologies inspired by Michel Foucault.

What sets this work apart is its unique approach to understanding the reception of these literary works. It goes beyond merely discussing their historical contexts or prescribing specific reader responses. Instead, it delves into the intricate details of academic criticism, reviews, and, perhaps most importantly, the online responses of ordinary readers, recognizing the immense influence of the internet in the twenty-first century. By examining the institutional contexts within which these responses are generated, the book offers a fresh and insightful perspective on the complex interplay between literature, society, and the ever-evolving digital landscape.

In conclusion, this book is a groundbreaking exploration of the intersection of literature, race, and sexuality in American culture. Through its meticulous analysis and innovative approach, it provides a deep understanding of the ways in which these authors' works have shaped and influenced public perception, challenging societal norms and inspiring critical thought. It is a must-read for anyone interested in the rich tapestry of American literature and its enduring impact on our understanding of the world.

Dimension: 229 x 152 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781032211220