Ivor Armstrong Richards

Ivor Armstrong Richards (1893-1979) was a British literary critic and poet, known for his influential theories on poetry and literature. He emphasized the importance of reader response and the emotional impact of language, advocating for a deeper understanding of texts. His work in "Practical Criticism" guided readers to analyze poetry without relying on the author's intent or historical context. Richards' ideas helped shape modern literary criticism and teaching, introducing concepts such as the "emotive" function of language and the relationship between meaning and experience, making literature more accessible and engaging to a wider audience.