Re: writing/publishing
AntiUtopia@aol.com
Sun, 19 Sep 1999 20:02:38 -0400 (EDT)
In a message dated 9/19/99 1:05:57 PM Eastern Daylight Time,
rbowman@indigo.ie writes:
<<
But do you really assert that you would grant equal
value to the most 'mistaken' interpretation by
the stupidest of your fellow group members
about a piece that you yourself had just written?
Scottie B. >>
Oh no, that's something I'd never do. I think that's one way we've
misunderstood one another in this subject. I don't think all interpretations
are equally valid or worthy of respect -- about any piece of literature. But
I have seen some valid, intelligent readings of my work that are not
reflective in any way of any thing I had in mind while writing it.
This is somewhat dependent upon the type of writing we're speaking of as
well. For example, I think in our posts we understand one another. I can
see from your reply to me that you understood my basic intent. I pretty much
expect that from you. But this type of writing -- prose, non fiction -- when
written competently doesn't lend itself to a very wide range of possible
meanings. Any number of competent readers will get the same basic ideas out
of this type of writing, with perhaps some variation in readings due to
different emphasis.
You move to the realm of short stories, and the range of valid readings
grows. Then you take poetry, especially poetry like Eliot's, and the range
of valid readings grows immensely.
So while I don't think Every interpretation of a piece of writing is of equal
validity, I do think there may be a number of equally valid readings of a
text.
Jim