The Unspoken Rules of Reading

When reading you might find yourself asking: “How do I know what is important?” Rules of notice refers to the hidden narrative conventions which writers and readers rely on for generating meaning. According to narrative theoretician and practitioner Rabinowitz they are crucial to interpretation and “serve as a kind of assumed contract between author and reader — they specify the grounds on which an intended reading should take place.” (Rabinowitz) 

Click each asterisk (*) to find out more.

Rules of Notice 

Attending to the most important details *

Rules of Signification

Assigning larger meanings to details *

Rules of Configuration

Perceiving the text's developing shape *

Rules of Coherence

Finding systems of unity among the details *