* Authors can have multiple messages: A work of literature can explore various themes and offer different perspectives on life, society, and human nature. It might not have a single, concise message but rather a complex tapestry of ideas.
* Subjectivity of interpretation: The reader's own experiences and perspectives shape their understanding of the work. What one reader sees as a message about societal injustice, another might see as a reflection on human relationships.
* Unintentional messages: Sometimes, even the author themselves might not be fully aware of the underlying messages in their work. The creative process can bring about themes and ideas that were not consciously planned.
* Art for art's sake: Some authors are purely focused on the aesthetic and narrative elements of their work, without a specific social or philosophical message in mind. They may create compelling stories that invite interpretation but don't necessarily have a "moral" to teach.
Therefore, instead of assuming a single message, it's more accurate to talk about:
* Themes: These are the recurring ideas, concepts, or motifs that run through a work.
* Authorial intent: This refers to what the author *intended* to convey, but this can be open to interpretation.
* Reader response: How a reader personally interprets and interacts with the work, and what messages they glean from it.
In conclusion: While authors might have a message they want to communicate, it's not always a simple statement about life or society. The interpretation of the work can be multifaceted and nuanced, reflecting the complexities of human experience and the power of art.