Final answer:
Understanding the authors' backgrounds of both 'The Picture of Dorian Gray' and 'The Way to Rainy Mountain' provides context that enriches the reader's interpretation of these works, highlighting themes of identity, morality, and cultural heritage. Knowledge of authorial history and reader-response criticism allows for a deeper connection with the text, influenced by one's own experiences and values. The consideration of diverse literary voices expands the scope of traditional literary education.
Step-by-step explanation:
Your engagement with 'The Picture of Dorian Gray' by Oscar Wilde or 'The Way to Rainy Mountain' by N. Scott Momaday can be deeply influenced by knowledge of the authors' backgrounds which provide context that original readers might not have had. For instance, understanding Wilde's societal challenges and Momaday's Kiowa heritage can illuminate the subtext of their narratives, enriching your interpretation of their work. This knowledge can enhance your awareness of the themes related to identity, beauty, morality, and the profound connection to heritage and culture.
Reading from diverse authors, such as Momaday, expands the traditional literary canon, historically dominated by Western voices, to include nonwhite voices. This amplification of diverse perspectives alters your understanding of literature, culture, and history, presenting a richer tapestry of human experience. It also challenges one to consider how the omission of these voices in the past has limited our literary education.
Literary works such as these possess layers of meaning, and reader-response criticism prompts you to reflect on your personal reactions and experiences when reading. Your identity, experiences, values, and ethics influence your interpretation, allowing you to sympathize with characters and engage with the text on a more intimate level.
As you delve into the narrative and literary features, like character development and figurative language, you're invited to consider how these elements influence your understanding of the text's message. The background of an author or the historical context of a narrative's creation can also inform your reading, inviting a more nuanced appreciation of the work's depth and complexity.