Comments on: BTT: Where’s the Symbolism?

By: Ashley

Ashley — Sat, 25 Apr 2009 16:00:35 +0000

I am still thinking about this question a couple days later and I still can't come up with a "perfect" answer. I think you did a great job though. I think that every interpretation is valid, because we really aren't ever completely sure what the author intended us to think. I also think that the most amazing thing about reading is that each person a story differently. Different symbols pop out at different people, and different characters are more identifiable to some than others. You really made me think! Also, I recently received my first blog award and I chose you to pass it on to! Ashley’s last blog post..Booking Through Thursday: April 23, 2009

By: Anna Elliott

Anna Elliott — Sat, 25 Apr 2009 01:05:35 +0000

I was actually just recently asked this question! A reader of my book wanted to know whether I’d intended a particular exchange between Trystan and Isolde, the two main characters, to be read as a symbol. (The book is Twilight of Avalon, a retelling of the Trystan and Isolde legend). At any rate, I absolutely loved this interpretation–but honestly during the writing it had never so much as crossed my mind. And that, for me, highlights one of the aspects of writing that I find most amazing and exciting and probably my single favorite truth about being an author: that a reading experience is truly a collaboration between the author and the reader. Once I finish writing a book, it’s no longer mine. It takes on a life of its own, and each reader who picks it up brings to it their own unique background and perspectives. Every reader’s response to and interpretation of the story is different, and I would consider each to be every bit as valid as my own.

By: Beth F

Beth F — Fri, 24 Apr 2009 21:57:58 +0000

Well said, Amy! Beth F’s last blog post..Review: A Cold Day for Murder by Dana Stabenow

By: Dawn (sheIsTooFondOfBooks)

Dawn (sheIsTooFondOfBooks) — Fri, 24 Apr 2009 12:28:00 +0000

I agree with you that "symbolism is alive and well in modern literary fiction." I also feel (as it seems you do) that if a book gets you thinking, whether or not your thoughts run along the lines the author intended, your thoughts aren't "wrong". That is, any interpretation is valid - how can we judge whether someone's connection to literature is right or wrong? Bottom line - we're on the same page on this BTT prompt! Dawn (sheIsTooFondOfBooks)’s last blog post..Book Review: *The Man’s Book* by Thomas Fink

By: Zibilee

Zibilee — Fri, 24 Apr 2009 02:24:49 +0000

I think that each reader brings a different set of ideas to every book they read, and that there definitely can be something seen or felt that the author did not set out in the design, just as I believe that sometimes readers can miss the symbolism or themes that an author tries to plainly depict. Great topic, btw! Zibilee’s last blog post..That Went Well: Adventures in Caring for My Sister byTerrell Harris Dougan - 224 pages

By: Amy @ My Friend Amy

Amy @ My Friend Amy — Fri, 24 Apr 2009 00:46:45 +0000

I think I see symbolism in things where it’s not meant to be sometimes, I love that!

But yes we all have our experiences and filters with which we approach a book…or a book review for that matter.

Amy @ My Friend Amy’s last blog post..Which American Idol Judge Are You? (Book Reviewing)

By: Meghan

Meghan — Thu, 23 Apr 2009 19:40:25 +0000

I could never tell them what their work means definitively, I just think that my interpretation is valid, at least for me. I would never presume to tell an author that my exact interpretation is the only one. You’re right, there is a line there.

By: J.S. Peyton

J.S. Peyton — Thu, 23 Apr 2009 19:32:06 +0000

I think all interpretations are valid, although if an author of a text told me that my interpretation was 180 degrees opposite of what they meant, I would defer to the author. I don't think you should totally surrender your opinion or interpretation, but I also think telling an author what their work means is dangerous and almost disrespectful territory. It's definitely a fine balance. J.S. Peyton’s last blog post..BTT: Symbolic? Yes. Or…Maybe not.

By: Memory

Memory — Thu, 23 Apr 2009 17:58:23 +0000

The great thing about studying literature is that you can find things that the author didn’t intend that imbues the work with meaning for you and for other people. That's so true. I'm a devout postmodernist, myself; the author has intentions, sure, but I think the meaning ultimately lies with the reader. We bring our own experiences to the text, and they shape our interpretations. The author can't possibly account for that. Memory’s last blog post..59. War and Pieces by Bill Willingham et al.

By: Bluestocking

Bluestocking — Thu, 23 Apr 2009 17:40:15 +0000

I think you will need the passage of time for symbolism. Bluestocking’s last blog post..Symbolic? or Not?