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>>When Hamlet talks about Claudius's "rank,enseamed bed," >>do you think it's drainpipes that's being referred to? When he >>talks about things "rank and gross in nature" corrupting >>Denmark, do you claim it's simply a waste disposal problem? >>Do you see how ridiculous your argument becomes?Yes I do: as ridiculous as yours. The difference is that I know my argument is absurd, but you actually think you've proven something.
Which is my point: it's ridiculous to draw any conclusions about a writer from his fiction alone, since you cannot know what elements are autobiographical and what are not.
Without background, you're merely hunting Martians. Without biography, you are merely confirming your own prejudices. From fiction alone, Anna Sewall is a horse, Oscar Hammerstein was in love with a wonderful guy, and Cole Porter was an incorrigible womanizer (See: " Where Is the Life of Late I Led?").
How do you know this poem IS autobiographical? How do you know it IS about homosexuality? All you have is your own impressions, not fact.
I want facts. Is that too much to ask?
>>You'll notice I don't have to impose a meaning. It emerges >>organically and naturally from the words chosen by the poet.
Read with the meaning you impose. There is nothing in the poem that indicates that anything
Posted by Reality Chuck on April 16, 1997 at 06:03:03
In Reply to " Not so fast, Buster..." posted by Professor Mike on April 15, 1997 at 14:34:38
Replies | Post Reply | Shakespeare Queries & Replies From Everyone Else 4.2.97: Top | Help