Children’s books often have content that is meant more for adults. For example, Gulliver’s Travels is a satire bout British politics in the 18th century, and human nature in general. The same applies to movies, such as the animated movie Zootopia is about racism and sexism.
Very true. There are always readers who do this- they read in symbolism and allegory that the writer never intended (or maintains that they did not.)
I still see question online, probing the works of authors who are no longer here to speak for themselves. The questioners ask for the real meaning of this or that novel. (LORD OF THE RINGS and WATERSHIP DOWN are just two examples.) And they ask for the analyses of ‘experts’ who had no part in the creation, and never knew the author.
When my Dad was in college, his literature class was asked to write their answer to what a certain poet, was thinking as he wrote a selected work they were studying. As most of the class probed and pondered, Dad argued that the poet was long dead, and we cannot presume to know what he was thinking. The teacher did not appreciate his candor.
And for those who tell us exactly what C.C. Lewis was trying to do in the NARNIA books- how many know that Aslan the Lion did not appear in the first draft of what became THE LION, THE WITCH, AND THE WARDROBE? When you realize that titles can sometimes come last, you can appreciate that he didn’t really have it all mapped out like a master plan.
I hated that when I was in school and the English teachers tried to invent some obscure meaning in every essay or poem. Sometimes a cigar is just a cigar.
The late science fiction writer Harlan Ellison told in one of his books of a fan who wrote him a very complimentary letter. The fan was impressed with an Ellison short story for its allegorical references to one of the Greek classics — might have been The Iliad or The Odyssey. Ellison appreciated the compliment but also mentioned that he’d never actually read that particular work.
Mordock999 Premium Member almost 3 years ago
No,No.
You’re a “money-maker,” BC.
At least for the Harts. :)
Its just me almost 3 years ago
Do I detect sarcasm there from Willey Carp.
DaveG1960 almost 3 years ago
Before Creativity?
Purple People Eater almost 3 years ago
Children’s books often have content that is meant more for adults. For example, Gulliver’s Travels is a satire bout British politics in the 18th century, and human nature in general. The same applies to movies, such as the animated movie Zootopia is about racism and sexism.
scottartist creator almost 3 years ago
Very true. There are always readers who do this- they read in symbolism and allegory that the writer never intended (or maintains that they did not.)
I still see question online, probing the works of authors who are no longer here to speak for themselves. The questioners ask for the real meaning of this or that novel. (LORD OF THE RINGS and WATERSHIP DOWN are just two examples.) And they ask for the analyses of ‘experts’ who had no part in the creation, and never knew the author.
When my Dad was in college, his literature class was asked to write their answer to what a certain poet, was thinking as he wrote a selected work they were studying. As most of the class probed and pondered, Dad argued that the poet was long dead, and we cannot presume to know what he was thinking. The teacher did not appreciate his candor.
And for those who tell us exactly what C.C. Lewis was trying to do in the NARNIA books- how many know that Aslan the Lion did not appear in the first draft of what became THE LION, THE WITCH, AND THE WARDROBE? When you realize that titles can sometimes come last, you can appreciate that he didn’t really have it all mapped out like a master plan.
Lynnjav almost 3 years ago
I hated that when I was in school and the English teachers tried to invent some obscure meaning in every essay or poem. Sometimes a cigar is just a cigar.
DCBakerEsq almost 3 years ago
My latest book requires that you bring your own crayons.
wolfboy oz boy almost 3 years ago
ture
Troglodyte almost 3 years ago
BC – a genius recognised in his own time – whenever that is / was / will be.
Brent Rosenthal Premium Member almost 3 years ago
Reminds me of the brilliant Peter Sellers movie, Being There
joannesshadow almost 3 years ago
Like seeing political commentary in a simple comic strip.
paullp Premium Member almost 3 years ago
The late science fiction writer Harlan Ellison told in one of his books of a fan who wrote him a very complimentary letter. The fan was impressed with an Ellison short story for its allegorical references to one of the Greek classics — might have been The Iliad or The Odyssey. Ellison appreciated the compliment but also mentioned that he’d never actually read that particular work.