I.A. Richards - Principles of Literary Criticism: Richards critiques "stock responses" in reading literature. What are these, and why does he consider them detrimental to genuine critical engagement?
1
Stock responses are well-reasoned and thoughtful interpretations based on established critical consensus.
2
Stock responses are automatic, uncritical, and conventional emotional reactions to literary works, preventing a deeper and more nuanced engagement with the text and hindering the reader's ability to form independent judgments and experience the work fully.
3
Stock responses are essential for understanding the cultural significance of literary works.
4
Richards believed that all emotional responses to literature are inherently "stock" and therefore invalid.