Real Reader:
* Who they are: This is *you*, the actual person reading the text. You have your own unique background, experiences, beliefs, and understanding of the world.
* What they do: A real reader brings their own interpretations, reactions, and even biases to the text. They might agree or disagree with the author's ideas, find the story enjoyable or frustrating, or simply be intrigued by the style of writing.
* Example: If you are reading a novel about a young woman struggling with a difficult family situation, your personal experiences with family dynamics will influence how you understand and connect with the story.
Implied Reader:
* Who they are: This is an *ideal reader* that the author has in mind while writing. The author envisions an audience with specific knowledge, values, and expectations. This ideal reader doesn't actually exist, but serves as a target audience for the author.
* What they do: The implied reader is the person the author *wants* to reach. They are the audience the author believes will understand and appreciate the text in the way the author intended.
* Example: An author writing a complex philosophical treatise might envision an implied reader with a strong background in philosophy and a willingness to engage with abstract ideas.
Key Differences:
* Real vs. Ideal: The real reader is the actual person reading the text, while the implied reader is a theoretical construct.
* Unique vs. General: The real reader brings their own individual perspectives, while the implied reader represents a more general audience the author is targeting.
* Unpredictable vs. Intentional: The real reader's response is unpredictable and can vary greatly, while the implied reader is intended to understand and appreciate the text in a particular way.
Understanding the Implied Reader:
* Authorial Intent: Examining the author's background, other works, and historical context can provide clues about the intended audience.
* Textual Clues: Pay attention to the language, style, and tone of the text. These features can signal the type of reader the author is addressing.
* Genre and Conventions: Different genres have established conventions that suggest a certain type of implied reader (e.g., a romance novel will likely address a different audience than a scientific textbook).
Why This Matters:
* Understanding the author's vision: By understanding the implied reader, you can gain a deeper appreciation for the author's intentions and choices.
* Engaging more deeply with the text: Recognizing the author's target audience can help you to better understand the themes, messages, and even the underlying assumptions of the work.
In essence, the real reader brings their own unique perspective to the text, while the implied reader represents the author's ideal audience and provides a framework for interpreting the work.