Appleman-Chapter 2

After reading this particular chapter by Appleman, I found that this chapter was more relatable and interesting since it contained 4 vignettes. I was most intrigued by Bob's vignette on "Little Miss Muffet". I loved his approach to throughout the entire lesson but the most striking part was his motive for it all. "the meaning depends on who's doing the reading. Meanings are constructed: We create meanings that are influenced by who we are and what we are culturally, historically, psychologically" (Appleman, 15). I believe that multiple perspectives in a classroom provides a relaxing, interesting, fun, and a strong learning environment for all. Like Bob was saying, meaning varies for everyone when it comes to literature. It depends on how you read it and what meaning you make out of what you read that makes the most difference. "encouraging multiple perspectives provides a conceptual introduction to considering the different 'readings' of a text that literary theory can provide" (Appleman, 20) Acceptance of all serious perspectives will create a great classroom atmosphere.
Reader response is a great way of promoting perspectives in the classroom. "Reader response clearly claims that the meaning of texts changes from reader to reader, that there is no single 'correct' interpretation, that it is created by the transaction of reader and text, and that every reader may create a different interpretation of a text, given our different backgrounds and orientations" (Appleman, 20). By allowing and accepting different interpretations, more students will be willing to accept others interpretations as well. This create an environment where more students will become more engaged in the readings and discussions and less isolated from the class and the texts that are being read.