Deeper Meaning

Something interesting that has happened since publishing my books is that people have started asking me what certain aspects of my book "really mean." I've had questions about whom my characters represent (not just inspiration, but literal translation from person to character), what metaphors I've used, and so forth.

I think that this search or perception of deeper meaning can be found in just about anything--books, music, movies, etc. Sometimes it's there (C.S. Lewis filled his writing with deeper meaning), and sometimes it isn't (Tolkien stated that he hated allegory, yet people still look at "Lord of the Rings" in that light). 

Let me tell you what I think on this matter. I believe that if you wish to see something good and meaningful, then you will. Likewise, if you wish to believe something to be corrupt, you will probably find evidence of it. 

I should make a point of saying that I do not believe that there is no such thing as "bad" media. In fact, I think there are things out there that no one should be watching or reading. However, you can be exposed to truly horrible images or words and choose to take away something profound. Does that mean you should seek out horrible things? No. I think it is important to choose entertainment wisely and with discretion. But this post is meant to be about general things (namely, my books), not extremes.

Now, back to my main point.

A writer (or director or artist) can put whatever deeper meaning they want into his/her work. Once it has been released to the world, though, the writer's intentions only carry marginal meaning. You hand your work to your audience, and it is now up to them how it is interpreted. You can try to control it (many have tried), but you cannot control what another person thinks or feels about your work. Unless it is part of the written story, it is nothing more than the writer's opinion.

I'm sure many people would disagree with me on this subject. After all, isn't the creator of the work the one who knows it best? Wouldn't they have all the answers? Perhaps, but that does not give them control over a world of readers.

I can say that Adesina (my main character) is a metaphor for the decreased population of bees (she isn't, by the way...I just needed a really random example). Since I said it, and since I'm the writer, it HAS to be true! You must now think of her in that way.

Does that make any sense? No, it doesn't. And that, my friends, is why I believe in this principle.

So, to come to the point, I can tell you what I think of my story. I can tell you what the characters and situations and dialogue mean to me. I cannot, however, tell you what the same things mean to you.

I hope that my readers find deeper meaning in my books. I believe it makes reading more interesting. And I also hope that the meaning found is something uplifting and thought-provoking. That would make me feel that I have spent my time doing something worthwhile. I do not know what that meaning will be for each of you, though.

Perhaps, if you feel so inclined, you can share your thoughts and experiences with me (and I with you). Then you can see the story through my eyes, and I can see it through yours. Otherwise, I am content to let you think whatever you wish about Adesina and her world.