Separating Authors And Controversial Work
How Can We Separate Controversial Authors From Their Work?
Many people have strong opinions about books. These feelings can be extended to the authors, too, living or dead. By now, we’ve all likely heard of the controversies JK Rowling is willingly courting almost weekly. However, that’s just one contemporary example of an author’s reputation coming under strain. There’s a long history of authors pushing back against certain ideas, and a long history of authors receiving pushback in turn. Is it possible to continue enjoying a text, even when its author engages in behaviours we don’t necessarily agree with? Can we, ultimately, separate controversial authors from their work? It’s worth contemplating these questions in further detail.
Maybe Controversy Is The Point?
It’s not always the case that an author unintentionally lands themselves in hot water. Oftentimes, they understand precisely what they’re writing, who they’re challenging, and the consequences that come along with it. After all, many authors are indeed categorised as ‘activists’, whether by themselves, fans, or critics. Their stories are nearly always an expression of deeply held beliefs, hoping their narratives will undermine the establishment and bring ‘niche’, misunderstood ideas into the spotlight. In these instances, would the ‘controversial author’ even wish to be separated from their work? The answer is probably a resounding ‘no’, with the writer practically waving their book as a banner for change on behalf of themselves and others.
Maybe Authors Feel Regret?
Author intent is worth examining further. After all, the journey of an author is a long one, and both times and people change. We don’t hear about it often, but there are authors who feel differently about their works in hindsight. It’s what happened to writer Huma Qureshi, who felt she could have written In Spite of Oceans: Migrant Voices better, despite critics and readers enjoying the text. Writers are notoriously their own toughest critics – how would they feel if many thousands of people told them their book was controversial? Not all of them would be prepared to die on the hill they were standing on. It’s worth keeping these circumstances in mind, too. If you come across a controversial text, it may be worth researching the author’s most recent remarks about it. Do they take issue with their work? Is there anything they’d change? Do their remarks align with your impressions? Their journey of personal growth may give you another perspective on matters and introduce you to some of their work you find more digestible.
Maybe Controversy Is Overblown?
Some authors thrive in their time and become controversial posthumously. Others, like Mark Twain, have their works embroiled in controversy from the moment of publication all the way to today. However, at one stage or several, these texts find their way into the hearts of readers. If a book still finds an audience despite the negativity surrounding its author, chances are it’s worth the read. If others can look past the controversy, perhaps you can too. The pessimism likely won’t hold so long as more readers gravitate toward a good book and become fans.
Of course, there are also times where controversy goes too far. Times where it feels like ‘everyone’ hates something, when it’s just a few loud (and irrational) voices drowning out more nuanced discussion around a text. Such instances are typically marked by book bans, as angry readers (or angry parents who’ve probably not read the book) lobby for texts to be removed from library shelves and for authors to be blacklisted.
Sometimes, controversy is relative. A flash in the pan triggered by ignorance, rather than avid readers who interrogate a book and its author for all they’re worth. Separating a controversial author from their work can be crucial in these instances, lest you get bogged down in the (redundant) resentment of others in place of a good book!
Perhaps You Don’t Need To Accept To Understand?
It’s true that a text can often be representative of an author’s particular and controversial worldview. However, that doesn’t necessarily mean that readers must readily accept all that’s being presented. Even if a story is considered ‘outdated’ with today’s value systems, the work of a controversial author can still be analysed for the sake of an historical understanding. Not every book needs to be ‘on your side’ to be engaging, and not every author needs to be a great person to present an interesting idea. Sometimes, you may even be able to keep the author at arm’s length as you read their text. Other times, engaging with their controversy may help you understand a wider discourse around a larger literary world.
Conclusion
Separating controversial authors from their work is relatively easy. Sometimes, the author will even do it for you! Books can’t hurt you, and you can read them from a distance without subscribing to everything on the page. It’s worth considering what you bring to the text as a reader, too, and not solely what the author is bringing to you. Context is crucial, as is open-mindedness!
If you are interested in studying English or English Literature, Oxford Open Learning offer the chance to do so at several levels, listed below. You can also Contact Us.
I'm a freelance copywriter with an undergraduate degree in English Literature. I've written for many different outlets, including but not limited to marketing agencies, graduate recruitment websites, and online training companies. I've even interviewed a few famous actors for student and arts blogs too! Covering a wide span of material has been incredibly rewarding, as I get to turn my experiences in the arts, education and careers into helpful advice. I sincerely hope you'll find something to your liking here!