Quote by Susan Sontag

Interpretation is the revenge of the intellect upon art. Even more. It is the revenge of the intellect upon the world. To interpret is to impoverish, to deplete the world -- in order to set up a shadow world of meanings.

Interpretation is the revenge of the intellect upon art. Eve

Summary

This quote suggests that interpretation, particularly by the intellectual mind, is a form of revenge against art and the world itself. It claims that interpretation reduces the richness and depth of the world by distilling it into a limited realm of meanings. By imposing our own interpretations, we diminish the inherent beauty and complexity, constructing a superficial alternative. The quote highlights the potential harm in our attempts to analyze and understand, warning against overlooking the inherent value and authenticity in art and the world.

Topics

Criticism

By Susan Sontag

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