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

[jtroutman.livejournal.com]

That is not true. Authors can and sometimes do revise their stories after releasing them. David Gerrold did it.

[prog.livejournal.com]

Gaaah, that is so not what I meant.

I kind of like that everyone except for the people who agree with me disagree with me, but this thread has me kind of peeved and I'll blanket-respond later. Maybe the next time this happens. Fie.