Books Quote by Patrick O'Neill
![“[I]ndividual readers may conceivably choose (or be led) to regard a given text as literary in cases where such a response is not shared by others, but until their individual responses lose their idiosyncratic nature by being adopted by a larger interpretive community, such responses will be…” quote by Patrick O'Neill](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/6fb/patrick-o-neill-102021_books_i-ndividual-readers-may-conceivably-choo_1068203.jpg)
““[I]ndividual readers may conceivably choose (or be led) to regard a given text as literary in cases where such a response is not shared by others, but until their individual responses lose their idiosyncratic nature by being adopted by a larger interpretive community, such responses will be regarded as being to a greater or lesser degree aberrant, and the offender will be regarded as lacking in good taste or good sense or both.””
About This Quote
Source Essay: Literary criticism, 2015
Individual taste may deem a text literary, but broader acceptance defines literary status, otherwise it may be seen as aberrant
In simple terms: Literary status depends on community acceptance
Key Takeaway
Seek broader dialogue to validate literary judgments
Themes
literary theory
subjectivity
community
Mood
critical
thoughtful
Type
analytical
philosophical
When to use this quote
- book clubs
- academic conferences
- online reviews
Key Concepts
canon formation
taste politics
Questions to Reflect On
- How does community influence your reading choices?
- When should you trust your own judgment?
A Different Perspective
Personal taste alone may not reflect broader literary value
