Meaning: The quote, "The reader has to be creative when he's reading. He has to try to make the thing alive. A good reader has to do a certain amount of work when he is reading," by Nathalie Sarraute, highlights the active role of the reader in the process of engaging with literature. Nathalie Sarraute, a prominent French lawyer and writer, was known for her pioneering works in the field of the "nouveau roman" or "new novel" movement, which challenged traditional literary conventions. In this quote, Sarraute emphasizes the importance of reader engagement and interpretation in the act of reading.

When Sarraute mentions that the reader has to be creative when reading, she is suggesting that reading is not a passive activity but rather an interactive and imaginative process. Readers are encouraged to actively participate in shaping the meaning and interpretation of the text. This aligns with the concept of reader-response theory, which emphasizes the significance of the reader's role in constructing meaning from a text. According to this theory, the reader brings their own experiences, emotions, and perspectives to the reading process, thereby contributing to the creation of meaning within the text.

Sarraute's assertion that the reader "has to try to make the thing alive" underscores the idea that the text is not static but rather dynamic and open to multiple interpretations. A skilled reader is able to breathe life into the words on the page by engaging with the text on a deeper level, allowing the narrative to unfold in their mind and resonate with their own experiences. This act of interpretation and imagination is crucial in bringing the text to life and making it personally meaningful to the reader.

Furthermore, Sarraute's statement that a "good reader has to do a certain amount of work when he is reading" challenges the notion that reading is a passive and effortless activity. Instead, she emphasizes that reading requires mental effort, critical thinking, and an active engagement with the text. This echoes the concept of "close reading," which involves analyzing and interpreting the nuances of a text in order to uncover its deeper layers of meaning. By highlighting the reader's active role in the reading process, Sarraute encourages a more participatory and immersive approach to literature.

In essence, Sarraute's quote underscores the dynamic and interactive nature of the reading experience. It emphasizes the reader's role as an active participant in the creation of meaning, requiring creativity, imagination, and mental effort. By acknowledging the reader's agency in shaping their interpretation of a text, Sarraute's perspective challenges traditional notions of authorial authority and passive readership. Ultimately, her words invite readers to embrace the creative and transformative potential of the reading experience, fostering a deeper appreciation for the power of interpretation and engagement with literature.