Louise Rosenblatt developed the transactional theory of reader response, which holds that meaning is created through an active interaction between the reader and the text, rather than being inherent in the text itself. She described two stances a reader can take - the efferent stance, where the focus is on retaining factual information, and the aesthetic stance, where the reader has a lived experience interacting with characters and events in the text. Literary elements like character, setting, plot, theme, and diction are tools authors use to craft stories and convey meaning. Character development includes physical descriptions and how others react to characters. Setting can be backdrop or integral to the story. Common plot structures include linear, episodic, and circular. Theme expresses

1. literary
elements &
devices
transactional
approach
&

2. transactional approach by louise rosenblatt
Louise Rosenblatt (1995) is arguably the best-known theorist of reader
response , and she is certainly the most influential in the contemporary field
of teaching children’s literature.
Her transactional theory is grounded in the belief that meaning is not
inherent in the text; rather, the reader/listener creates meaning in an active
mental process when the reader and text converge.
The reader’s response begins during the act of reading and may continue well
after the reading is finished, because reading is an active creative experience.

3. efferent stance
An efferent (from the Latin efferre —to carry away) stance is appropriate when a
reader’s attention is focused on information, facts, or instructions that will be
retained after the reading. Therefore, it is the stance of choice for reading
nonfiction, such as textbooks, reference books, informational books, and
biographies.

4. aesthetic stance
An aesthetic stance is the appropriate stance for reading fiction. It is more difficult to
define because the most important goal of the aesthetic stance is to have a lived-
through experience, which Rosenblatt calls an evocation .
The aesthetic stance may be extended across an entire continuum of responses,
including reliving the reading experience and imagining or picturing characters,
settings, or events from the story.
With aesthetic responses, the reader cognitively and emotionally interacts with the
characters, the setting, and the images created by descriptions within the text to
create an individual experience. In essence, the reader is living through the experience
through the story or narrative

5. literary elements & devices
character
Characters are who the story is about, and the action revolves around them.
Authors develop characters primarily from three sources:
from the narrator’s description of physical appearance and personality;
from other characters—what others think of characters and what others’ actions are
toward them
from the characters themselves—what they think, what they say, and what they do.
Main characters, especially the central character or protagonist, must be fully developed;
that is, readers should learn of the characters’ many traits—their strengths as well as
their weaknesses. These complex characters are called round characters .

6. literary elements & devices
character
“The main characters in an excellent work of fiction for children are rounded, fully
developed characters who undergo change in response to life-altering events” (Lynch-
Brown & Tomlinson, 1999, p. 29 ). This capacity for change defines such characters as
dynamic .
Supporting characters are less well developed than the main characters; only a few of their
traits may be revealed. Sometimes they are flat characters who exhibit only one side of their
personality.
Flat characters are often stereotypes who possess only the traits considered typical of their
particular group. Flat characters are usually static , undergoing no change in personality
throughout the book.

7. literary elements & devices
setting
Setting is where and when the story takes place. Setting can include topography, climate, and
weather when these are integral to the story.
Setting “may play a significant role that has an impact on every other aspect of the book, it may
be inconsequential and barely mentioned, or it may not be mentioned at all” (Brown &
Stephens, 2007, p. 175 ).
The backdrop setting is relatively unimportant to the story. The name is derived from
traditional theater where flat, nondescript painted scenery was dropped from the ceiling at the
back of the stage. This is the type of setting often found in traditional literature that begins
with a literal or implied “once upon a time.”

8. literary elements & devices
setting
The integral setting is essential to the story, meaning that the story could not have taken place
anywhere but in the setting specified by the author. According to Lukens (1999), “We say a story
has an integral setting when action, character, or theme are influenced by the time and place”
(p. 155 ).

9. literary elements & devices
plot
“ Plot is the sequence of events showing characters in action” (Lukens, 1999, p. 103 ). In other
words, it is what happens in a story . To keep readers involved, the plot must tell a good story;
the lives of the characters in a book should be more exciting or more interesting than the
readers’ lives.
Cumulative plots are most often found in traditional literature and pattern books. In
cumulative plots there is repetition of phrases, sentences, or events with one new aspect added
with each repetition. “The Gingerbread Man” is a good example of a story with a cumulative
plot. Young children love to join in on its refrain.

10. literary elements & devices
plot
Linear plots are popular in realistic fiction and fantasy. The plot should be constructed
logically; that is, events should happen logically and not by coincidence. There are three major
parts to a progressive linear plot:
In the beginning, the characters and setting are introduced, and the central problem of
the story is revealed. Usually the main character sets a goal to overcome a problem.
In the middle, the main character attempts to overcome the problem and usually meets
with obstacles, or the main character participates in a series of events that lead to a
solution of the problem.
In the end, either the problem is resolved or the main character learns to cope with it.

11. literary elements & devices
plot
Episodic plots are most often used in easy-to-read books or transitional books. Although the
characters and setting are usually the same throughout, there is no central problem that
permeates the book. Rather, each chapter has a mini plot complete with introduction,
problem, events, and resolution.
Circular plots have the same components as linear plots, but the resolution or end of the story
shows that the characters are in the same situation as when the story started.

12. literary elements & devices
Exposition: occurs at the beginning of the story. It introduces the
main character, setting, and basic situation needed to understand
the story. (The exposition many times will also give clues to the
reader about the POV (point of view), whether its first person or
third person.)
Rising Action: Just as the term suggests, it is the main part of the
story that builds anticipation in the reader. It includes the main
problem of the story and contains several major events.
Climax: is the turning point of the story. It usually contains the
most exciting or surprising part of the story.
Falling Action: Just like in a roller coaster ride, this part tends to
move quickly towards the end of the story. The events follow the
climax and leads towards the resolution of the story.
Resolution: is the end of the story where all the loose ends are tied
up.

13. literary elements & devices
theme
The theme of a book is its central idea, the underlying message the author is conveying to the
reader.
Other definitions include a significant truth, a value-laden statement, a broad and powerful idea
that has universal application, or more simply, the moral of the story.
To determine the theme of a book, ask yourself these questions:
What is the underlying meaning or significance of this story?
What was the author’s purpose in writing the story?
What did the author say to me through the story?
What are the comments the author makes about beliefs, fundamental truths, human nature,
life, society, human conditions, or values?
What is the common idea that ties the story together?

14. literary elements & devices
diction
Diction is the careful selection of words to communicate a message or establish a
particular voice or writing style. For example, flowy, figurative language creates
colorful prose, while a more formal vocabulary with concise and direct language can
help drive home a point.
Create a certain tone that supports purpose. The purpose of a piece of writing
determines its diction. In literature and fiction writing, writers often use informal
diction and figures of speech—words used for non-literal meanings, like similes and
metaphors. If a scientist is publishing a paper on their research, however, the
language will be technical, concise, and formal, written for a specific audience.

15. literary elements & devices
diction
Support the setting. In fiction writing, the language an author uses supports the
basic story elements, like setting. Diction helps establish when and where a story is
set by using language native to that time and place. This is called colloquial diction.
For example, a story set in New York City will have a different style of language
compared to a story that takes place in London.
Establish a narrative voice and tone. A writer’s attitude towards the subject of a
story comes through in the words they use. This helps establish tone and impacts
readers’ emotional response. For example, the tone of a horror novel will be very
different to that of a romance novel.

16. literary elements & devices
diction
Bring characters to life. A writer can tell a reader a lot about characters through their
dialogue. The way a character uses diction reflects personal details like age and gender,
background, social setting, and profession. For example, a younger character might use
slang when they speak.
Different styles of diction impact how different ideas are expressed. There are eight
common types of diction:
Formal diction. Formal diction is the use of sophisticated language, without slang or
colloquialisms. Formal diction sticks to grammatical rules and uses complicated syntax
—the structure of sentences. This elevated type of language is often found in
professional texts, business documents, and legal papers

17. literary elements & devices
diction
Informal diction is more conversational and often used in narrative literature. This casual
vernacular is representative of how people communicate in real life, which gives an author
freedom to depict more realistic characters. Most short stories and novels use informal
diction.
Pedantic diction. This is when a writer is highly detailed or academic in their writing.
Words are chosen specifically to convey only one meaning. It is sometimes used in
literature when characters speak in a highly educated manner, as in F. Scott Fitzgerald’s
The Great Gatsby.
Colloquial diction. Colloquial words or expressions are informal in nature and generally
represent a certain region or time. “Ain’t” and “y’all” are examples of colloquial
expressions, born in rural areas of the United States. Colloquialisms add color and realism
to writing.

18. literary elements & devices
diction
Slang diction. These are words that originated within a specific culture or subgroup but gained traction.
Slang can be a new word, a shortened or modified word, or words that take on a new meaning. Examples of
common contemporary slang words are “aggro” instead of “aggravated”; “hip,” which means trendy; and
“throw shade,” which is to lob an insult at someone.
Abstract diction. This is when a writer uses words to express something intangible, like an idea or an
emotion. Abstract phrases often lack physical detail and specificity because they are things the reader
cannot experience through their five senses.
Concrete diction. Concrete diction is the use of words for their literal meanings and often refer to things
that appeal to the senses. The meaning is not open to interpretation because the writer is specific and
detailed in their phrasing. For example, the sentence: “I ate an apple.”
Poetic diction. Poetic diction is driven by lyrical words that relate to a specific theme reflected in a poem,
and create a euphonious, or harmonious, sound. Poetic diction usually involves the use of descriptive
language, sometimes set to a beat or rhyme.

19. Literary works have the power to
transport us to worlds far beyond
our own and to open our eyes to
new perspectives.