I personally take the second stance-- I don't feel the need to let the author make up my mind *for* me.
I think it's important to consider the author's intentions in addition to your own perceptions. If, for example, an author says that a given subtext perceived by some readers was not intended by him/her, then I think it's disrespectful to insist that the author must have meant that subtext to be in there.
Perceptions do have a habit of shifting when you get new information, or simply when you've had time to reflect. For instance, you initially said "because I don't see why so many people read that *as* a rape scene," and now you're saying, "I don't think it's IMPOSSIBLE to read it and think, "hey, that might've been rape." But nor do I think that's *clearly* the only plausible reading there could be."
But as I've said a number of times already in this dicussion, YMMV. Before this discussion get to the point where it's the latest feature on Fandom Wank, I'd just like to state once again that there's plenty of room in the DCU sandbox for a variety of opinions and interpretation regarding all the elements of canon: plot, characterization, theme, etc. I think faith_of_borg has done a fine job of showing her interpretation of the Babs/Dick relationship, and she's to be applauded for the work she put into this essay.
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Date: 2005-02-11 08:26 am (UTC)I think it's important to consider the author's intentions in addition to your own perceptions. If, for example, an author says that a given subtext perceived by some readers was not intended by him/her, then I think it's disrespectful to insist that the author must have meant that subtext to be in there.
Perceptions do have a habit of shifting when you get new information, or simply when you've had time to reflect. For instance, you initially said "because I don't see why so many people read that *as* a rape scene," and now you're saying, "I don't think it's IMPOSSIBLE to read it and think, "hey, that might've been rape." But nor do I think that's *clearly* the only plausible reading there could be."
But as I've said a number of times already in this dicussion, YMMV. Before this discussion get to the point where it's the latest feature on Fandom Wank, I'd just like to state once again that there's plenty of room in the DCU sandbox for a variety of opinions and interpretation regarding all the elements of canon: plot, characterization, theme, etc. I think