American Literature for Non-American-Readers

What happens to American literary texts when they are read by non-American readers? The rise of cross-cultural reception studies has made this a significant question, and the present volume provides a rich set of answers. The essays also make clear cross-cultural readings are not to be regarded as less appropriate than American readings. They are simply readings driven by different pragmatic situations, involving readers with different expectations and first-hand knowledge of different realities. By exploring a variety of cultural reading experiences, this book lays a useful groundwork for teachers and scholars interested in the cross-cultural transmission of literary texts, especially American teachers abroad who wish to understand their students' responses.