In literature classes, students sometimes privilege author intent to an extent that hampers their ability to interpret literary works. Yes, it is possible to over-analyze anything. And just because there are many possible interpretations of a literary work, that doesn’t mean that every possible interpretation is well-supported by the text. (Occam’s Razor still applies, for instance.)  The other day I was listening to an NPR segment about a new Athol Fugard play.

“It is my own personal experience that sometimes the playwright is the last person to know what his own play is really about,” Fugard says wryly. — NPR All Things Considered