Interpreting an Author’s Meaning – Particularly in Rainbow Fish

I find it interesting how readers feel they can interpret an author’s meaning and  give long discourses on why an author wrote a short story, novel or a poem.  Unless you have an explanation written by the author or an interview in which he/she discusses the meaning of his work, how do we know?

Sometimes if we have knowledge of social, political or cultural conditions surrounding the author’s life, we have a better idea of meanings in the writing.  However, unless we’ve heard directly from the author, do we know for sure?

Of all the books discussed here, Rainbow Fish, written and illustrated by Marcus Pfister and translated into English by J. Alison James, seems to get the most feedback.  Some see this picture book as a treatise on socialism; others view it as a simple story about sharing; other readers see a colorful book implementing unique artistic techniques.  What do you see?

I often wonder how some of my stories and poetry are interpreted and what others think I’m saying. 

More about Marcus Pfister.  (Author of Rainbos Fish and other children’s stories)

Related Posts:

Rainbow Fish Makes a Comeback at Our House

What Does Rainbow Fish Mean? Is There an Underlying Meaning?

(Amazon image)