The purpose of this theoretical essay is to explore the limits of traditional conceptualizations of reader and text and to propose a more general theory based on the concept of a literacy agent. The proposed theoretical perspective subsumes concepts from traditional theory and aims to account for literacy online. The agent-based literacy theory…

Constructs a discourse (through argument, analysis, and reading) concerning conceptual changes that might expand ideas of hypertext rhetoric. Applies those changes by combining conventions of traditional print discourse with conventions of hypertextual writing. (NH)