“I’ve been meaning to ask you since I hung this up…,” he said, looking at it. “Why did you choose to represent yourself as a duck?”

“What do you mean?” I answered. “That was the assignment.”

“Yes, but why a duck?” he said. “Is it safe to assume that it was because of the story of the… um, the duckling that turns into a swan?”

“No,” I laughed, shaking my head. “It’s because I think I look like a duck.”

This excerpt is from R. J. Palacio’s Wonder (p.286-7). We often joke about English teachers overanalyzing things when we study texts, but is there a reason behind that?

Analysis encourages you to think deeper, to see if there’s an underlying theme or message underneath a pretty surface. I personally enjoy analyzing things. Maybe it’s ingrained in humanity to look for meaning in even the littlest of things.

So… intentionality?

Okay, is depth in art and literature intentional? I think it depends. I tend to weave in themes and symbols into my writing because I enjoy adding meaning to a story, but when I look back, there may be symbols or metaphors that I didn’t know were there before, or sentences that imply something that I never originally intended.

On the other hand, I like to be free with visual art. With art, I tend to draw whatever I want without intentionally linking it to specific connotations or meanings with color theory, symbols, or principles of design. Someone may be able to find a meaning in my art (which is always cool and interesting), but I may not actually have planned to have an idea or theme behind the artwork.

On subjectivity:

This of course leads me to the next idea I wanted to discuss: subjectivity. Each person can draw different messages and themes from art and literature, sometimes depending on what they resonate with most. Art is subjective, after all — beauty lies in the eyes of the beholder. And that’s what makes art special: each person can pull a theme or message from a piece of work. The creator might already have a meaning behind the artwork or writing, but the audience can also add to what the creator has provided.

Or is it purpose?

As humans, we are constantly searching for purpose. What are we here for? What are we meant to do in our lifetime? Linking this back to depth in art and literature, when we study old works, I wonder if the creator truly meant to say what we think they said? What if they just wanted to make art? Enjoy the process of creating something? What if we draw depth from something that never had a meaning in the first place? Artwork doesn’t always have to have meaning for someone to say, “hey, I like this”.

Oftentimes, an artist or an author will have a purpose in creating something. That’s why we have satires, pieces that express emotions and experiences in the rawest way possible, art and stories with social commentary, and so much more. Most of the time, depth and meaning are intentional. Art allows us to draw ideas, themes, and messages while simultaneously providing a level of enjoyment for the audience.

And I think that’s brilliant.

That’s all I had to say for today!

Tell me, what you think about analyzing stories, finding meaning in art, and/or intentional vs. unintentional symbols or metaphors found in art and literature? Is this something you think about when you read a book or walk through an art gallery? Let me know in the comments below!

Make your mark,

OTHER POSTS YOU MIGHT LIKE:

How Jason Reynolds’ “Long Way Down” Ties Symbolism to its Themes

Classic vs. YA: the parallels between “Sense & Sensibility” and Stephanie Garber’s “Caraval”