Oh good grief.

[prog]

Whether it's Bradbury saying something cranky or Rowling saying something saucy, the author's interpretation of their own story or characters is worth no more than any other reader's take-away.

I mean, it's definitely worth talking about, and if you find yourself agreeing with the author about it, that's cool. But to then go on and say "Aha, this definitively means that Character X had Attribute Y", I say poopie upon you.

If I ever design a yuk-yuk T-shirt (besides the Volity ones) it will be themed around the slogan AUTHORIAL INTENT IS FOR SUCKERS or something.

Comments

[aspartaimee.livejournal.com]

i am going to go back and re-read them. i bet he exhibits undue influence and pushes a subversive gay agenda on the kids, turning them gay and i missed it the first time around.

[prog.livejournal.com]

It's my understanding that the entire series takes on a wholly different meaning if you replace every instance of "wand" with "wang".