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Originally Posted by H-I
In this case, though, 'real meaning' is what 'real meaning' is for you.
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But in that case, why is The Author's Intent a category? Because if we want to say that the Author dictates the meaning of the text then the 'real meaning' to us as readers is irrelevant, as there can only be one 'real meaning'.
As you have seen before, I do like to pick holes and am now picking on the opposite side to where I picked before, so you may feel free not to rise to the bait.
First of all, before I say how we can search for it, I want to know what this meaning actually is. Is there a meaning to LotR at all? Does it have a message or (more acceptable to our modern tastes than didactic messages) a theme? If I knew what the meaning was, then I might be able to say where it was that I found it.
I
want to vote all of the above, but I have to have my two penn'orth first. The idea that the meaning could be found in Mainstream or even 'Downs reader consensus is scary! That doesn't allow for rejecting or challenging mainstream opinion, and is a little bit stagnant and restrictive. If this was where meaning was to be found then I should want to shake things up a bit and say something outrageous. Though I can't deny that for some readers, this is exactly where they
will find their meaning! It could be directed by fellow forum members, and by a need to 'belong' by saying the right thing, or it could go wider than this. Having spent several days at lectures, I have seen the level of following that certain critics attract and am suspicious that they could get away with saying just about anything for some readers. That's the old cynic in me speaking, and I'm very protective of that little voice.
That it does not even have to have a meaning is also true - many people read LotR just because it's enjoyable, and I like to dip in now and then just to enjoy the shape and sound of the words, to be taken along for the ride. What's the saying? "Man cannot live on bread alone"? I don't like to ruin the books by always just analysing them in a schoolroom manner. This way of reading is actually very close to finding a 'divine truth' as it leaves the reader open to experiencing the joy of the text. Though that gets close to davem's baggage idea.
I'll stick with 'all of the above' for now and refuse to get off the fence.