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bluGill • today at 5:54 PM • 2 replies • view on HN

There is no correct way to read Shakespeare. There are many wrong ways, but don't let your friend's interpretation cloud you from the others. It is really magic when you see some other interpretation and understand both are right despite not being compatible.

Replies

gowld • today at 7:46 PM

Obligatory "To Be or Not to Be"

https://youtu.be/iQULEW2JwHE

stackghost • today at 7:45 PM

Oh, I hate this sentiment so very much.

Example: The song "We Are Young" by fun features the following lyrics.

    My seat's been taken by some sunglasses /
    asking 'bout a scar, and /
    I know I gave it to you months ago / 
    I know you're trying to forget /
    But between the drinks and subtle things /
    The holes in my apologies, you know /
    I'm trying hard to take it back
The aspiring song analyst might think it's about the singer being asked by a cop (wearing sunglasses) asking about him abusing his girlfriend, or whatever, but Nate Ruess is on record saying it's just about being hung over, and no more deep than that.

Projecting meaning where there is none, or where the meaning is clear, is simply not valid even for Shakespeare.

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