However, some key figures who contributed significantly to the development of reader-response theory include:
* Louise Rosenblatt: Rosenblatt's work, particularly her book "Literature as Exploration," is considered foundational to reader-response theory. She emphasized the active role of the reader in creating meaning from a text.
* Stanley Fish: Fish argued that meaning is not inherent in a text but is instead created by the reader within a specific interpretive community. He explored the idea that readers bring their own background, experiences, and assumptions to their reading, shaping their understanding.
* Wolfgang Iser: Iser focused on the concept of the "implied reader," suggesting that authors construct a reader in their writing who is expected to participate in the creation of meaning. He also explored the idea of the "textual gap," the space between the text and the reader, where meaning is generated.
* Hans Robert Jauss: Jauss emphasized the historical and social context of reading, suggesting that readers' interpretations are shaped by their time period, cultural background, and literary traditions. He also developed the concept of "horizon of expectations" to describe the reader's preconceptions and expectations that influence their understanding of a text.
It's important to remember that reader-response theory is not a monolithic entity. Different scholars have developed various approaches, and the field continues to evolve and expand.