Text 1: Literary theorist Dr. Emma Stone argues intention matters. "Understanding an author's purpose illuminates meaning," Stone writes. "Historical context and biographical information help readers grasp what a text is trying to say."
Text 2: Critic Dr. Marcus Reid emphasizes reader response. "Texts gain meaning through interpretation," Reid contends. "The author's intention becomes irrelevant once the work exists. Readers create meaning; they don't just receive it."
Which choice best describes the relationship between Stone's and Reid's approaches?
They locate the source of textual meaning in different places
They analyze different historical periods of literature
They agree that biography is essential to interpretation
They both reject close reading of texts
Correct Answer: A
Choice A is the correct answer. Stone locates meaning in author's intention ("what a text is trying to say"). Reid locates meaning in reader interpretation ("readers create meaning"). Different sources.
- Evidence: Stone: author intention; Reid: reader interpretation.
- Reasoning: Same question (where is meaning?) different answers.
- Conclusion: They locate meaning's source differently.
Choice B is incorrect because historical period isn't the distinction. Choice C is incorrect because Reid rejects biography's relevance. Choice D is incorrect because neither rejects close reading.