THL1501
MAY/JUNE EXAM
Year: 2023 (SEMESTER 1)
Sender Centred Theories (Romanticism)
Object of Study: Sender centred theories, specifically Romanticism, focus on the role of
the author or sender in the production and interpretation of literature. The object of
study in this theory is the creative mind and individual expression of the author.
In sender centred theories, particularly Romanticism, the object of study is the creative
mind and individual expression of the author. These theories place a significant
emphasis on understanding the author's thoughts, emotions, and experiences as they
manifest in their literary works. The primary goal is to explore how the author's unique
perspective shapes the creation and interpretation of literature.
LOLA JACOBS ASSIGNMENTS 0618151315
, CONFIDENTIAL
Page 2 of 4
THL1501
016/06 2023
PLEASE ANSWER ALL QUESTIONS. NOTE THE CHOICES OF THEORY IN QUESTION 1.
QUESTION 1 [50]
Discuss ONE of the theories listed below using the following sub-headings – object of
study, main hypothesis, theoretical terms, shortcomings (weaknesses) and
explanatory value (strengths):
• Sender centred theories (Romanticism), OR
• Russian Formalism, OR
• New Criticism, OR
• Mukařovský’s receiver-centred theory, OR
• Context-centred theories
Do not just copy and paste from the Study Guide or copy from online sources, which
is plagiarism. By discussing, we mean, explain IN YOUR OWN words the object of
study/main hypothesis/theoretical terms/shortcomings/strengths while referencing the
Study Guide. In other words, unpack these terms by referring to the Study Guide
material, using the Study Guide as your source of reference. (Maximum ±1 000 words).
Sender centered theories, specifically Romanticism, focus on the role of the
author or sender in the production and interpretation of literature. In this
theory, the object of study is the creative mind and individual expression of
the author. The main hypothesis of sender centered theories is that literature
is a reflection of the author's personal experiences, emotions, and
imagination. It emphasizes the unique voice and subjectivity of the author.
Theoretical terms associated with sender centered theories include authorial
intention, imagination, and individualism. Authorial intention refers to the
deliberate choices made by the author in crafting a literary work. Imagination
plays a crucial role in Romanticism, as it is believed to be the source of
creativity and the ability to transcend ordinary reality. Individualism
emphasizes the uniqueness and subjective perspective of the author, as well
as the importance of self-expression.
One of the shortcomings of sender centered theories is that they can neglect
the role of the reader or receiver in the interpretation of literature. By focusing
primarily on the author, these theories may overlook the multiple meanings
and interpretations that readers bring to a text. Additionally, the emphasis on
the author's subjectivity may lead to a neglect of social, cultural, and historical
factors that shape the production and reception of literature.
