Louise Rosenblatt

Louise Rosenblatt was an influential educator and literary theorist known for her work on reading and interpretation. She believed that reading is an active, personal process where readers bring their own experiences and emotions to a text, creating unique meaning. Her famous "transactional theory" suggests that understanding a story involves a dynamic exchange between the reader and the text, rather than just decoding words. Rosenblatt emphasized the importance of engaging personally with literature to develop comprehension and appreciation, making reading a meaningful, transformative experience. Her ideas have shaped teaching practices to foster deeper reader involvement and critical thinking.