#i'll probably delete this thing

[houlebubo]

One day I'll probably do a 40-minute video essay on this topic, but the internet's misinterpretation of "Death of the Author" is just a real shame.

I frequently see the concept brought up in relation to a certain terf author. People attempt to 'separate the work and the author', but that is frankly not how it is intended to be used.

"Death of the Author" is supposed to be a tool for literary analysis. That's all it is. It is not a theory by itself, nor a political stance or a way to judge morality.

It is a tool to encourage readers to interpret the content of a text authentically, but you should use it critically, and be aware of why, how and when it is relevant. It is not an excuse to ignore context or paratext, as both of those should also be considered in a proper analysis.

The tool was developed during a time when the discourse was more favourable towards an author's intention rather than a reader's interpretation. People used intention to dismiss other readers' analysis of texts, using diary entries or letters by dead authors to counter less mainstream takes of canon texts. It was a period where the 'goal' of literary analysis was to uncover a text's true meaning. The original essay was a short controversial counterargument but the conversations it sparked over the following decades have led to the scale tipping more in favour of interpretation. It has also led to a 180 of the original problem.

Killing the author has the potential of empowering readers and encouraging deeper. Maybe even uncovering biases the author wasn't even aware of! However, (mostly outside of academic circles but not always) people are misusing the concept and use it to dismiss context and racist dog-whistles as well as discourage readings that rely more on subtext.

In simple terms we have gone from a mentality saying "AHA, I have evidence and it said you are wrong" to "AHA, it doesn't matter and therefore you are wrong". Neither is constructive in a conversation about art.

If you use the death of the author effectively while acknowledging intention and context you actually add a lot of nuance to your analysis, and doing so can demonstrate your analytical abilities. You will be able to distinguish what the text is saying plainly, what is said between the lines, and if the narrative effectively handles what it originally claimed. It is an effective 1-2 punch. Let me give you an ultra-short example:

On the surface level, '50 Shades of Grey' tells you that it is a sexy BDSM story. Throughout interviews and promotional material, E. L. James frames her story as a female-empowering book. But by critically examining how the books handle themes of consent, privacy, agency etc. we can argue that the narrative doesn't live up to proper BDSM conduct and that the protagonist is not empowered, and is instead displaying an unhealthy relationship. If we take the analysis further we could make an argument about what this says about society at large. Does it normalise boundary-breaking behaviour? Could it make someone romanticise stalking? The thesis statement is all up to you. (disclaimer I have not actually read these books, don't come for me, this is an example)

Here is what we just did: I presented a surface reading of a text. I presented the most likely intention of the author. I then argued for my interpretation by looking at literary themes and context. I used the conflict between Jame's intention, and my interpretation to illustrate a conflict. 1-2 punch. I am not killing James, I consider her opinion and intention to strengthen my argument, but I don't let her word of god determine or dismiss my reading. In just 3 simple sentences I use a variety of resources from my toolbox.

When people weaponise the author's intention it can look like this:

"Well, E. L. James said it is a female power fantasy, you're just reading too much into it" <- dismissing context and subtext by using 'word of god'. Weighing intention above interpretation.

"Does it really matter that E. L. James didn't research BDSM before publishing, can't it just be a sexy book?" <- dismissing context, subtext as well as author intention and accountability. Weighing their own interpretation and subtly killing the author

Simply exclaiming "I believe in death of the author" (which I have heard in Lit classes) means nothing. It's nothing. Except that you want to ignore context and only indulge in the parts of the text that you find enjoyable.

In the plainest way I can put it, the death of the author is supposed to make you say: "the author probably meant A, but the text and the context is saying B, therefore I conclude C". Don't just repeat what the author says. Don't just ignore context. And allow the feelings the text invokes in you to be there and let them be something you reflect on. The details you pick up on will be completely unique to you, the meaning you get will be just your own. You can do all of these things at once, I promise it doesn't have to be one or the other.

There has to be a balance. Intention matters. Interpretation matter. Watch out and pay attention. Are you only claiming the author is dead or alive when it serves your own narrative?

When you want to ignore an author ask why

When you don't want to read a book because you don't condone the actions of the author ask why

Examine how you dismiss arguments and how you further conversations.

[sprucewoodmpreg]

still thinking abt the life series as a video game so here's a mockup of a chiptune battle theme for bdubs' ender dragon fight ^_^

[extrashortshorts]

My first ever face to face encounter with a onepiece fan that treats everything too seriously

It was...wow...pretty out of nowhere as well

Every new sentence and take they spitted out was like an opposite of my own, like we were watching two totally different shows

[dangerousdan-dan]

Hold up, I need to rant about this because I'm upset with how some of you are attacking My Adventures with Superman's Lois for what happened in episode 5.

Thing is, Clark's desire to keep his secret is valid, but so is Lois's frustration. She was worried about Clark, and she only turned to anger when he didn't let her express her worries and treated her like she was stupid when it was more than obvious that she already knew what was going on.

Again, Clark is allowed to want to keep his identity a secret, but a lot of people are using that as an excuse to call Lois unreasonable and a bitch, when her reaction was nothing but human.

You all loved her because she was adventurous, a rebel, strong-willed, and inquisitive, but now you hate her because she dared point those feeling towards Clark and then got angry with him? Mmh, interesting.

Oh, wow, what a surprise, Lois isn't perfect! Oh, wow, how dare she feel anything but smitten with Clark? What a monster.

You all love your female characters until they show themselves imperfect, or they disagree with the male lead character (regardless of if they're right or wrong). It's a known fact that misogyny is more than present in the comic world and its fandom, but some of you don't even try to hide it. Look me in the eye and tell me they would attack a male character the way they're attacking Lois if he had had the same reaction? Come on.

[professorcalculusstanaccount]

Short Update!

I'd like to thank everyone for the support!

I haven't posted in a bit because I was planning a snippet from The Gypsum Maw after recieving some asks about it, but it's accidentally ballooned beyond 30 pages! I have a sort of reverse artist's block going on where I have too many ideas all at once. I even have people in my inbox managing to anticpiate story beats I have on the backburner.

I'm going to try and pace myself so I don't burn myself out, I am pretty excited about what I have coming up and it would be a shame for me to lose interest. Thanks for your patience!

[cripplerage]

Please don't take it the wrong way but I've seen some people complaining about people in their early 20s and I have some thoughts. And I know 'haha, people make fun of other generations we're all having fun' but I don't think that's what I'm seeing.

It seems like people are claiming that the "your brain doesn't finish developing until you're 25" thing is starting to cause us to act younger than we are, and that we seem underdeveloped as adults in comparison to what older people were like at our age. That we act like we're still 16 and it's *annoying.* And these complaints are apparently regarding how we are in real life, not just being annoying online.

And don't get me wrong, we're still accountable for our actions. And I do understand what it's like to feel frustrated in adult spaces with such varying ranges of maturity and experience.

But these often seem to be the same people acknowledging that the cost of living crisis, the housing crisis, and a lot of politics as a whole have been drastically and rapidly declining for several years, particularly because of covid, and I'm not sure why they're not connecting the dots.

Like, yeah. I turned 18 in 2020. I won't get into details but it was very hard and very scary. I do sort of still feel like I'm 16, and I do still feel very lost and confused and unsure of myself. Most of us do. I know that I'm an adult and I have to act accordingly, but being annoying isn't a crime. If you have a more specific complaint then maybe don't direct it at an entire age range. Being able to exist normally around annoying people is part of being an adult, even I know that.

[bilbo-baggins-is-a-fcking-vibe]

Arwen: *sketching*

Eowyn: Hey, what are you drawing?

Arwen: Girls in short skirts and knee socks.

Eowyn:

Eowyn: I'm off to buy a new outfit, see you later!

[starflungwaddledee]

been working on answering a prompt i received in an ask the other day, and so i'm back thinking about... the Thing... 💖🎀 and thought maybe prompt doodles might help me work through this a little?

so uhhh.... if by any wild chance anyone has any ship suggestions for starstruck...??? feel free to send them through!

[creationsabyss]

My thoughts on the Aventurine drama

I've been inactive for a while, I was (still am) busy in real life but coming back online to post and seeing discourse about a newly crowned favorite character is disheartening. Even more so, that people are harassing other writers over a drama I feel is overblown.

I have thoughts regarding it but I'm unsure if my opinion would be appreciated. But if you'd like to peacefully talk it out with me, I'd be happy to lend an ear. I'd like to hear both sides, as meager as my opinion may be.

Oh boy, here we go.

Aventurine is a character, a fictional being born to entertain the players. He is not real. He can not be offended by what you create of him. There is no point getting upset on the behalf of a character and prioritizing fiction over a person who does actually exist.

If we do want to condemn slavery fics, why not also cancel slave reader fics? Or ones that include things such as dead dove (including yanderes in general) fics because those topics are equally terrible to condone and write about from that point of view. Or how about other characters that have similar topics in their lore. Should those also be canceled too?

*There are also folks who make problematic pieces to help cope with their own trauma. Does that mean they should be canceled too? (On that note: making a piece that holds problematic content does not always mean the person condones it in real life. Fiction is fiction for a reason.)

In the end, I think everyone can have their own opinions, but I would like to say that your opinions do not justify terrible actions. Just because you disagree with something does not justify you bullying someone into deleting one of their works, whether it is art or writing or anything else, I do not think that is justifiable. Harassing someone or calling people to harass them is not right either.

*If you did disagree with it, why not message the author about it instead of making accusatory posts? Even when done with good intentions, all it does is cause harm when it's practically inviting people to go harass someone over a fanfiction. A very mild fanfiction at that.

If you disagree with a piece, cool. That's your opinion. Just don't interact with it then. Block that creator or that tag or whatever it is that led you there. Or if you're curious, ask that creator.

Also, to reiterate, in my opinion, fiction is still just fiction. Especially when it's a fanfiction about a fictional character. Yes, his canon lore exists, but people can use that basis in fanfiction, something that will inherently warp canon because we are not the original writers and can not capture him in the exact way he was created. In case that doesn't make sense: Fanfiction does not have to comply with the original lore. Also since some of you seem to be forgetting: fiction does not mirror real life.

If you are truly that concerned over sensitive topics like that, directing that energy towards projects that involve such topics in real life would be much better than attacking people on the internet.

[nances]

Will and Lucas have some of the best friendship dynamics on the show. I want them to have a heart to heart. I want Will to confide about his feelings for Mike in Lucas first. (And Mike could confide in Dustin & that'd be a great callback to season 1...)

Because Lucas is very emotionally intelligent. He's also very observant. And Will is very important to him. And I just know Lucas would understand and be accepting. He's probably clocked that something's going on.

"C'mon Byers. You know you can talk to me. Whatever it is, spill it out. I know something's been gnawing at you."

Will hesitates. He's in anguish, and no matter how hard he tries to contain it, his feelings are eating him alive, and it shows. His brother is the only one who seems to be aware of the reason, on some level at least. And Will is absolutely mortified at the thought of someone else knowing... Lucas, however... despite his doubts, he has a feeling he could trust Lucas with this. Opening up to Lucas certainly wouldn't be as terrifying as the prospect of coming face to face about this with Mike...

Will's been trying to quell his heartache and he's resigned to his lot long ago. He knows (at least he thinks he does) Mike's heart belongs to someone else. And quite frankly, he'd rather see Mike happy than lose him for good. So if Mike's happy with El, so be it. (Oh darling...) Perhaps opening up about this could help mitigate some of the immense guilt he's feeling... But what if it goes awry?

"I know it's got something to do with Mike", Lucas says, wary, trying his best not to come off as confrontational. Will flinches at the mention of his name.

Lucas genuinely wants to know what's putting his friend in so much pain. "You haven't been yourself ever since you guys came back from California. It's like... like he follows you around every chance he gets. And you seem to grasp at every opportunity to avoid him. That's... That's not very Mike and Will of you guys."

"Look, Lucas, it's... it's... you wouldn't get it" Will sighs. He doesn't want to look in Lucas' direction. Lifting his gaze would signify an end to his constant dodging and trying to escape coming clean about what's going on inside of him. Will's always hated lying. But at this point, it's become a substantial part of his defense mechanisms. A tool in his desperate attempts to hold up a facade of normalcy. Maybe not outright lying, but certainly doing so by omission.

"Try me", Lucas prompts. Will takes another couple of seconds. He's holding several objects in each one of his hands. One's a hammer with a handful of nails, the other's a flamethrower. Lucas' reaction to his truth is what's going to determine which object he's about to use on the bridge between them by spilling his guts.

Alright.

It's now or never.

Will takes the step. Lifting his eyes feels like jumping off a cliff.

"I'm in love with him, Lucas", he sighs.

Lucas takes a moment to take this in.

"You're in love... with Mike." That's not a question. Lucas isn't asking for clarification. It's an assertion.

Will's stomach is rapidly sinking, as if he's on a roller coaster. It's like it's falling into a bottomless pit at this point.

And Lucas can see just how on edge his friend is. His friend's been through hell and back. Faced interdimansional monsters. Been possessed with one. And yet, he's scared of him... Will's scared of how Lucas is going react to this minuscule, almost inconsequential detail about Will.

"Hey!" Lucas' voice is very soft. "It's okay."

The disbelief on Will's face is evident.

"I'm for real, man. This doesn't change anything", Lucas assures.

"Really?"

"Absolutely."

Will's been holding his breath for so long, that the sigh of relief that washes over him feels like water to a dying man in a desert. He's not alone. Someone else knows, and it's okay.

Will's eyes well up. He can't find the words to express his relief. God, don't start tearing up now...

"Hey now. Come on, man. I'm always here for you", Lucas pulls Will into a tight hug. "As a matter of fact, I can kick Mike's ass for you, if you want." A pat on the back.

Will inadvertedly lets out a chuckle.

"That won't be necessary. Before long... I might even do it myself." An inkling of mischief in his voice.

And in this moment, he feels at ease. Lucas' smile is warm and reassuring. It's easy to proceed with the chore they've been assigned. This is what Will loves about Lucas; he's immaculately skilled at making light of the most somber situations. Before they know it, they're cracking jokes about Mike, and for the first time in a long time, Will doesn't feel completely alienated by the way he feels.

[hyacinthsdiamonds]

Seeing the same people who perpetuated or sent vicious misogynistic hate to Hannah Schmitz, as well as disgusting racist abuse towards Yuki and Alex because of FUCKING CONSPIRACY THEORIES and those who just straight up ignored it, now up in arms regarding whatever the fuck is going on between the FIA and the wolffs is beginning to piss me off. Because now that it's not someone red bull affiliated involved, it's somehow now unacceptable.

[bettertwin1]

Not to sound lame but sometimes I feel obligated to answer certain asks, but the asks really hurt to answer. I'm not sure how to vocalise it or ask you all to stop or how to say which ones hurt but yeah.

[simplepotatofarmer]

my niece sent me a picture right before my grandma passed and it helped a little because everything looks peaceful. i've been crying all day but i keep telling myself it'll be okay.

[cinnamon-bunni]

levi/barbatos is currently rotating in my head rn and is tumbling like clothes in a dryer so you know what? headcanon list time lets go I thank you the total of like 5 people who will end up reading this they mean the world to me okay?

LEVIBARB HEADCANONS

Leviathan falling for Barb first, and man does he fall hard

He starts crushing on the butler when he fixes his cosplay; Levi had ordered it and it showed up damaged and ripped. Barbatos got around to fixing it before Levi could, and he hadn't even asked him to do so

It's just the idea of that Barb is so cool. Like cooler than anyone that Levi knows

He can bake, sew, he knows curses and spells, has wisdom on just about anything and everything--he's the cool type in dating sims. A kuudere, if you will, but even cooler

I don't think Levi has ever had a real crush on someone before. like don't get me wrong he has so many characters from his games and anime that he would do just about anything for, but I don't think he's really harbored those feelings for someone that is not in a computer screen

i like to think levi would then be so obvious about his crush on the butler, while the thinks he's being cool about it. everyone in a five mile radius knows about it lol

and ofc barbatos knows about it. like how could he not? levi isn't exactly secretive about it. the demon started to come over a lot more and try to find excuses to hang out with the butler

Barb humored him tho, because he did find him kinda cute. but more like in a way one would feel towards a sopping wet cat they found on the side of the street. he found it funny that levi was at times even willing to help him with things like baking or tending to the gardens, even when he wasn't good at either of those things

At some point it changed, though. Barbatos isn't sure when, but there is a point where it changes from him humoring Levi for the fun of it and into enjoying the other's company

Such an odd pair, tbh. They both know it but they are good for each other me thinks

Like??? As I've discussed Barb starts to genuinely enjoy Lev's company. He starts to laugh and smile more, acting less stoic even when Levi wasn't around

And Levi acting like a high school girl in love??? That's the good shit lol 💞💞 he is so much happier with life and the outside world and even came to terms with Barb being a normie! Because he is willing to learn <33

because!!! because Barb is open to learning about Levi's interests. Levi helps him interact kitchen (even though he isn't the best at baking) and he tends to the garden with him (even though he isn't all that knowledgeable on plants), and seeing as levi indulges in his hobbies, why not enjoy is free time in what levi likes?

Besides, levi just looks so happy when barb offers to play a game or watch an anime with him. and yeah barb fucking sucks ass at the games and has to politely ask levi to stop pausing on each frame of the episode in order to get through it all, but its the quality time together that counts

do you think about how lucifer and the others would feel? because i think about that all the time

like again levi isn't able to keep his crush secret at all so i imagine all his brothers (sans lucifer) try and help him out. like they drop heavy hints towards barb about how levi is interested in him while levi fights off the urge to call lotan out of sheer embarrassment in order to get them to stop

mammon so takes credit for those two getting together; levi was late for his first date because asmo wouldnt let him leave until he approved of his outfit; lucifer is holed away in his office, demonous in hand, trying not to think about his brother going out with diavolo's butler

like. i am sure diavolo would support it and would be extremely happy for barbatos that he found someone that makes him happy. but lucifer? he is speaking through gritted teeth of how happy he is for levi. he is definitely fine about this decision because his brother is a grown demon and can make his own decisions but he will be processing his feelings with a bottle or two (or three) of demonous later that night

and just....Levi being so awkward on the first few dates?? i mean im sure he will always be awkward when he's around Barb but like?? poor thing is a mess lmao

idk man something something barb brings such a huge comforting feeling to levi and levi gives barb a breath of fresh air into his life and something something they give strength to each other to leave comfort zones and live for something that makes them happy

[withacapitalp]

Here have a snippet of the next chapter for HTRAJ y'all :D I'm mid write and I'm vibin' with what I have so far

“He’s long gone, Eds. Can we go back inside now? It’s fucking freezing out here,” Gareth asked, rubbing at his bare arms and shivering as the frigid winter wind raced past them. Eddie could barely feel his own body, but he ignored both the cold and Gareth’s words, walking towards his van. 

Steve was there. He had to be. He had to be, or else Eddie was going to lose his mind worrying over what was probably nothing, and he might say something incredibly stupid when they actually found Steve, and that would ruin everything they had worked so hard to build.

Luckily for Eddie’s increasingly fragile heart and mind, he spotted a familiar pair of beat up old converse poking out, attached to dark wash jeans that he instantly recognized. Eddie practically melted in relief, jogging around to the other side, needing to see Steve’s face. 

He opened his mouth to spout off some stupid quip about dining and dashing, but he stopped short the second he saw Steve’s state. All of the relief instantly vanished, replaced by a bone deep dread that overtook Eddie’s entire being. 

Steve was sitting on the ground, his knees pulled close to his chest and his eyes staring firmly at the pavement. He was as still as a statue and just as silent, barely even blinking as he took shallow uneven breaths. Eddie could see him shaking from where he stood, trembling like a leaf in the wind as he continued to just stare at nothing. 

Something was wrong. 

[c-e-d-dreamer]

It's genuinely so funny to me whenever I see a post that's like "Nesta stans said this" or "Nessian stans said this" because like where??? Where, bestie??? Is the post in the room with us now???

Because I hate to break it to you, but especially in a post-ACOSF world, there's not that many of us on this godforsaken app, and I guarantee that we all know each other in some capacity