tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11101950.post297535384969052042..comments2023-11-02T15:31:22.535+00:00Comments on Michelle Styles:: codes and NarniaMichelle Styleshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03400990189443593076noreply@blogger.comBlogger5125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11101950.post-3988740796491921142009-04-29T07:32:00.000+01:002009-04-29T07:32:00.000+01:00This is a really interesting post, Michelle. I ha...This is a really interesting post, Michelle. I haven't seen the programme (or read more than two Narnia books) so I can't comment on the conclusions that you're discussing. But as a writer and a student/teacher of literature, I have to sort of disagree with this statement:<br /><br />And people should just enjoy the books rather than searching for third meanings.Literary theory should look at how storytellers write stories before pronouncing on codes. Attempting to give order to randomness can lead to false assumptions.<br /><br />For many people, searching for meanings is a huge part of enjoying books. I actually like looking for subtexts, or symbolism, even if the author didn't consciously mean to put them in. I'm not so big on "codes" because it can so often seem like bending facts to suit a theory rather than otherwise, but it can still be an enjoyable exercise that lends extra resonance to a text.<br /><br />I really believe that an author can do as s/he will, but the act that creates the true meaning of a book is when it's read. Readers create their own relationship with a text, and it's just as valid, if not more so, than what the author overtly meant to do. That's one of the many magical things about reading, IMO.Julie Cohenhttp://www.julie-cohen.com/blognoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11101950.post-3203444381494786882009-04-22T18:15:00.000+01:002009-04-22T18:15:00.000+01:00The programme gave only a very brief account of my...The programme gave only a very brief account of my discovery. And if you saw only the first half of the programme you would have received an even briefer account! <br /><br />Take a look at the FAQ page on my website: www.planetnarnia.com <br /><br />Perhaps that will encourage you to read the book itself and come to a more considered judgement. I certainly hope so! With kind regards, Michael Ward.Unknownhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17415085607359725906noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11101950.post-88824930975174028372009-04-22T15:57:00.000+01:002009-04-22T15:57:00.000+01:00Glad you approve.Glad you approve.Michelle Styleshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03400990189443593076noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11101950.post-16283666772863617832009-04-22T01:49:00.000+01:002009-04-22T01:49:00.000+01:00Bravo, Michelle!Bravo, Michelle!your sisternoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11101950.post-28171920883898970122009-04-21T14:04:00.000+01:002009-04-21T14:04:00.000+01:00I think I'm very glad I missed that programme. Sou...I think I'm very glad I missed that programme. Sounds very pompous.<br /><br />As you say, the man can't have created anything. I often write a book and suddenly one of the secondaries will take over and demand his/her own story - and, as I'm an uber-planner and know exactly where my books are going before I start writing them, this is all subconscious stuff and NOT planned.<br /><br />I remember having to write pastiche Renaissance sonnets as an undergraduate exercise. "Black outshining white - very bold," was my tutor's comment. Er: I did it for rhyme purposes... <br /><br />Just goes to show how easy it is to overanalyse something!Kate Hardyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07367918727779245526noreply@blogger.com