Evolution in the Reception of a Juvenile Work: Mr. Seguin’s Goat by Alphonse Daudet an Experimental Investigation

Abstract

This scholarly article delves into recent advancements in textual theory, spotlighting a pivotal shift from an author-centric paradigm to a reader-centric approach. Through a nuanced exploration of theoretical frameworks such as Hans Robert Jauss’s aesthetic of reception and Michel Picard’s psychoanalytic lens applied to reader engagement, the study navigates the evolving terrain of text interpretation. Using Alphonse Daudet’s “La chèvre de monsieur Seguin” as a focal point, the research scrutinizes the interpretive strategies employed by adolescent readers, offering insights into their comprehension, assimilation, and ethical appraisal of literary works. By synthesizing theoretical constructs with empirical observations, the paper illuminates the intricate interplay between text, reader, and interpretation, highlighting the manifold meanings and fluid dynamics inherent in contemporary literary discourse.