The Aesthetics of Reception in Ali Ahmed Bakathir’s Salama Al-Qass

Abstract

This study aims to shed some light on the structure of the implied reader in light of reception theory, as applied to Salamah al-Qiss by Ali Ahmad Bakathir. It examines textual thresholds such as the title and preface, as well as narrative techniques including allusions and the use of pronouns. The research seeks to highlight how the text is crafted to engage an ideal reader capable of interacting with the novel’s interpretive and aesthetic dimensions. It also explores the interactive relationship between the text and the reader, illustrating how this dynamic contributes to a creative and holistic reading experience. The study adopts a descriptive-analytical methodology and concludes with several findings. Among the findings: Salamah al-Qiss presents a distinctive literary model that underscores the role of the implied reader in grasping the aesthetic and intellectual layers of the narrative. Furthermore, the study reveals the harmony between narrative aesthetics and interpretive experience, positioning the implied reader as an active partner in enriching the text and realizing its symbolic and human dimensions.