Wilhelm, J.D. (1997). 'You Gotta BE the Book.' Chap. 1

I want to start by commenting on the literary theory known as New Criticism. I admit I am not well versed in literary theory, but when Wilhelm begins describing its characteristics, I was immediately brought back to taking the reading comprehension section of a standardized test. A single correct interpretation of a literary work doesn't seem too inviting for students, and in fact, it seems very closed minded. If we want students to become engaged in the text they must be allowed to make their own judgments, predictions, and conclusions without fear of these assumptions being different from the standard interpretation. This includes asking students to be aware of the emotions or feelings that arise or what parts of the texts pique their interests when they read. Another possible way to combat this is simply to foster multiple interpretations by frequently posing divergent questions. Identifying and discussing potential/similar situations that arise in texts which students may have experienced is also a means of achieving this goal.

Wilhelm also mentions the distinction between 1.) "efferent," or information-seeking reading, and 2.) "aesthetic" reading, or reading for enjoyment. As the author suggests, the majority of reading that students are asked to take part in is for the acquiring of information. Speaking from my experience as a student, generally students will look at questions on a study guide or questionnaire and skim the material to find answers. This constant probing for answers makes students see reading as a mechanical, tedious task, rather than an enjoyable, meaning-making "quest." The big question that remains is how do we switch students into the aesthetic mode? On one hand, I would say it is giving them reading material that they are interested in as they search for answers to their own questions that result from their shared experiences. On the other hand, how do we create a balance between providing material that is of interest to them and material that the teacher deems important without losing the motivation of the readers?