Audience

• “Audience” refers to the people who will read or are intended to read the piece of fiction. As a reader, you are part of the audience.
• Understanding who the audience is can play a substantial role in how you interpret a text.
• Authors often write with a specific audience in mind, which can influence the choices they make in terms of language, theme, and content.
• For example, a children’s fiction book will likely use simpler language and cover themes appropriate for younger readers.
• In some works of fiction, the intended audience might be more nuanced; the writer might be speaking directly to people who have experienced particular situations or share the same interests.
• Identifying intended audience can help you understand why an author has chosen to represent characters or situations in certain ways.
• This can be a key element in understanding a text’s themes, tone and style.
• It’s crucial to remember that the author’s perceived audience may not always match the actual audience.
• Think about how the intended audience might affect their understanding of the text - what might different audiences notice or interpret differently?
• Analyse how the writer engages with their projected audience. Are they trying to challenge them, comfort them, shock them or make them reconsider their views?
• Always consider how your understanding as a part of the audience impacts your interpretation of the text.