Whose Text is it Anyway Communication between author and reader Essay

Whose Text is it Anyway Communication between author and reader - Essay Example For decades, readers have fallen in love with the fairy tale novel, yet few seem to really understand it. Much like Alice spends much of the book frustrated with the happenings inside of Wonderland, the reader spends hours trying to figure out the message behind the words. Perhaps that is exactly what Carroll was aiming for. In a similar fashion, millions around the world adore the paintings of Picasso. They hang in art galleries and adorn hallways in private hallways, yet few truly understand the true meaning behind the masterpiece. In fact, volumes have been written just trying to understand what ‘each picture is saying’. Could the answer be as simple as ‘nothing’? Does an author or painter actually have to communicate an exact message via his or her work that is understandable by everyone who reads the book or looks at the painter? The simple fact of the matter is that any given text is the author’s alone. They are free to do with printed words as they please. Perhaps part of the joy that some writers receive is in knowing that many readers struggle and grapple with the meaning behind what was written. In this way, they are promoting a depth of creative and critical thinking skills that is sorely needed in society. Other writers, however, do write to a specific audience and their words are quite easy to understand in context. Even under these conditions, however, the writer retains control over what they have written and the interpretation is to be largely left up to them. This is accomplished as they use their own artistic license as a mechanism for sharing a story of idea with the reader. In addition, the writer brings their own personal experiences and ideologies to the page each time they set out to write any given text. It would be helpful to consider a classic novel in which the author writes about a fictional story that could certainly be reality. Huck Finn is a product of poor rural America. He is a character that man y people can identify with. Mark Twain, the author, certainly paints a wonderful picture with this novel. He begins by taking the reader on a journey through Southern America. There are racial undertones, class wars, and simple general mischief presented between its pages. You could ask ten different readers what social message Twain was trying to convey and you would likely get ten different ideas. This seems to be the beauty of literary license and is the reason why so many readers keep coming back to the classics, such as this one. Each time you read it, a different message seems to come to the forefront and you find yourself reliving the story all over again. This relates back to the theme of ownership and demonstrates how readers often find great job in trying to determine the purpose behind any chosen novel. That is part of the joy of reading. In answering the question of ‘Whose Test is it Anyway†, it is important to consider novels such as Huckleberry Finn. In thi s one novel, the author has created multiple themes centering on racism, slavery, morals, what role society plays in our life, and others. In addition to this, Twain touches on issues related to childhood, the way we lie and con people out of things, and he presents various superstitions and folk ideas. The reader needs no background with these issues, as Twain educates as he writes. One can easily begin to wrestle with these deeps ideas facing society, while having fun at the same time. Twain accomplishes all of this and more. In essence, he owns the reader because he has captivated them so. He can do what he wants simply because of the way in which he writes and the issues that he brings up. It is perfectly acceptable for an author to place more importance on the words