The Author
Some days, bits of poetry get stuck in my head. Today it was a piece of William Carlos Williams' "Rain".
"But love is unworldly
And nothing comes of it but love
Following and falling endlessly
From her thoughts."
In my English class at BYU we used to talk all the time about whether author's intent mattered. If we should interpret everything for ourselves or if we should seek out insight and interpretation from the author of the work. What if we get something deeply meaningful from the work that the author didn't intend? Does it matter? Can we interpret things as we please as long as it makes sense? Can a poem meant to be about love be about war if we want it to be, if we see it that way? Who decides what is cannon- the author or the public?
All I know is that I want to talk to William Carlos Williams and ask him what this damn poem is about.
"But love is unworldly
And nothing comes of it but love
Following and falling endlessly
From her thoughts."
In my English class at BYU we used to talk all the time about whether author's intent mattered. If we should interpret everything for ourselves or if we should seek out insight and interpretation from the author of the work. What if we get something deeply meaningful from the work that the author didn't intend? Does it matter? Can we interpret things as we please as long as it makes sense? Can a poem meant to be about love be about war if we want it to be, if we see it that way? Who decides what is cannon- the author or the public?
All I know is that I want to talk to William Carlos Williams and ask him what this damn poem is about.
Comments
Post a Comment