Year: 2026
Type: article
Abstract: This article studies the impact of cognition on the interpretation of literary texts. It discusses the cognitive phenomenon of schema theory, mental simulation, narrative transportation, as well as working memory, attention, and prior knowledge, focusing on the reader's experience. It illustrates how meaning is dynamically constructed through the activation of cognitive schemata and the simulation of engagement with narrative frameworks. Moreover, how emotions, empathy, and other individual differences factor into interpretive responses is discussed. Synthesizing research from a variety of disciplines, this paper claims exploring the cognitive processes of reading, deepens insights into interpreting literature and teaching it in a way that recognizes the reader as an active, constructive agent. The article offers suggestions on how future research can integrate the cognitive sciences and literary studies.
Source: Neliti
Author: Sevara, I. (Ismailova)
Institution: Uzbek State University of World Languages
Language: English
Subfield: Literature and Literary Theory
Field: Arts and Humanities
Domain: Social Sciences
Open Access status: green
OpenAlex ID: W7161928400