READING THEORY IN CONTEMPORARY ARAB CRITICAL DISCOURSE: BETWEEN PRACTICE AND THEORIZATION

Abstract

Reading theory generally refers to a trend in literary criticism that focuses on the reader as a thirdparty in the creative process and a key to exploring the literary work's impact. This theory asserts that aliterary work derives its immortality not from the factors that influenced its creation nor from the systems
and relationships that govern it, but from its enduring ability to engage the reader, inspiring and stirring themas they interact with the text and bring their own interpretations to it over time.