Sab
One last thought on Sab… I found it interesting that noone mentioned Teresa in our discussion of what is “romantic” about Sab. Her description almost always uses the word sublime, as she is characterized as not the normal beauty, but none the less having a beauty of her own.
I greatly enjoyed the discussion of many different interpretations of the book. I had not taken my reading to that level, but it was helpful to see the variety. I have traditionally tried to stay to what seems to be the author’s intent. I kind of like the idea that the meaning is up for interpretation, because that means that as long as I can explain my interpretation it is not wrong (as was the case in school). However, I am not willing to accept that simply because they are not wrong, I should agree to hold that view. Specifically the thought that Sab’s vomiting blood at the end was connected to the blood lost by Carlota at the loss of her virginity was a bit much for me. I can see where it comes from, but…, yeah…, too big of a jump from what is on the page for me to get yet, maybe someday, but not yet.
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For an interpretation to be accepted, it needs to be based on the text and follow some kind of reasoning that others can reproduce in their own minds and say “Yes, I see how you get from point A to point B to point C.” Authorial intent is almost useless. So I’m glad you’re into this idea. It is essential to the work expected of you in all literature classes. What matters is what is on the page, not the person who wrote it.
I agree with you on the interpretation of the “blood connection.” It is perhaps an interesting (although grostesque) parallel, but I think it is easy to get carried away with symbolism when interpreting what we read. The interesting part, as you say, is seeing the reactions of a variety of readers to the same text.