The Common Reader (term)

The term "Common Reader" refers to an everyday person who engages with literature and ideas without needing specialized knowledge or expertise. It originates from the title of a book by Virginia Woolf, where she explores the relationship between readers and literature. The Common Reader appreciates a variety of texts, seeks enjoyment and understanding, and values accessibility over scholarly analysis. This concept highlights the importance of literature as a democratic form of knowledge, inviting everyone, regardless of academic background, to engage with and interpret reading in their own meaningful way.