Throughout the semester in English 102, we have discussed many critical approaches to the study of literature and poetry. While traditional approaches to literature regard meaning as residing in the text, one, in particular, is able to relate the reader, the text, and the context, to allow the reader to view the piece from his or her own perspective. Reader-response is criticism that analyzes a literary work by describing what happens in the reader's mind as he or she absorbs the text. It states that there is no single fixed interpretation of any literary work. No two readers are alike, so no two interpretations or responses will be alike. In regards to interpreting poetry from this standpoint, Virginie Greene states, "I use my own experience, not because it is more valid than anyone else's but because I have direct access to it" (Greene, 219). This form of criticism is based mainly on personal experiences that are able to be related to and grounded in the text. Marlene Asselin adds to the discussion by saying, "Readers bring a wealth of emotions, experiences, and knowledge to a read that, in turn, provoke association with the words, images, and ideas in the text" (Asselin, 62). Each person's interpretation of the work at hand will be unique.
             One poem that I find that can be studied especially well in this context is The Summer Day by Mary Oliver. It is a slightly contemplative poem, rising questions in the reader's mind about his or her origins and how each person views the world. Oliver also does a great job by relating to the reader in the story. She makes the reader feel like he is standing right next to her as she describes different aspects of the natural world. She also both begins her poetry with a question and ends her poetry with a question. This creates a much more interactive atmosphere between the literature and the reader by spurring some questions about oneself in...