Wayne C. Booth (Scholar)

Wayne C. Booth was an influential American literary scholar and critic, best known for his work in narrative theory and rhetoric. He emphasized the importance of the author's role and the reader's interpretation in understanding literature. His landmark book, "The Rhetoric of Fiction," explored how narrative techniques affect readers' perceptions and engagement with stories. Booth introduced concepts such as the "implied author" and "narrative distance," which have become vital in literary analysis. His ideas encourage deeper thinking about how stories are told and how they resonate with readers, bridging the gap between literature and communication.