Reading and Representation

In #156 of the Investigations, Wittgenstein initiates an examination of "reading" by defining it as "the activity of rendering out loud what is written or printed".  Two results of what ensues are that 'reading' has multiple uses, and that in each of those instances, a mysterious influence is exerted on a 'reader'.  Now, conspicuously absent in the definition is any consideration of what is arguably the essence of the process--that its object is taken to be a representation of some sort.  Furthermore, to take an object as a representation of any kind involves being directed by it to whatever it represents, i. e. it functions as a signal to make an association, which  easily explains the felt influence that intrigues Wittgenstein.  So, in that significant absence, his conclusions, as is, seem to have little value.