Thought I'd Share

[dcseain]

I made a comment in this thread in this post over at james_nicoll, that i thought i'd share:

Writing creates a work of art. From works of art, as from life, each takes their own lessons. Any given lesson will get different results from each pupil. If the meaning a reader takes is different from that that the writer intended, it is an opportunity for discussion, for view-widening, for understanding, for romanticism, and for any number of other reactions.

For me to expect that every reader will interpret my written words as i intend is unreasonable, particularly the longer the text. My word choice may trigger who-knows-what in a reader, which will flavour their understanding and interpretation. The best i can hope for is that i chose my words carefully enough to allow for minimal misunderstanding, and that what misunderstanding that occurs either is clarified later in the text, or is related, or different, enough for me to understand my words in a way that i never imagined, which would result either in me clarifying the text, if possible, or, more likely, being awed at the ways that perceptions can differ, and to grow from the experience.

Comments

[dpolicar]

Absolutely. The lightning-rods bloom widely as the pickles bristle.

YES.

[stidmama.livejournal.com]

It is absolutely true that one's words can be interpreted in many ways, depending on each person's experiences -- and it's a big part of communication. To be able to recognize this allows both parties to keep the dialog open, to extend and explore the meaning and relationship.

It requires an amount of maturity on the part of the writer (or any artist) to set the work free, open to interpretation by others.