Umberto Eco, in his book "Experiences in Translation," posits that when analyzing a text, consulting the author is often unhelpful. This perspective emphasizes the idea that a text can be interpreted independently of its creator's intentions. The meaning of a work emerges from the reader's experience and contextual understanding, rather than solely from the author's explanations or viewpoints.
This approach encourages deeper engagement with the text, allowing for multiple interpretations that reflect diverse reader perspectives. Eco's assertion highlights the dynamic relationship between text and reader, suggesting that meaning is not fixed but evolves through interaction and interpretation.