"Against Interpretation" is a seminal essay by Susan Sontag, published in 1964. In this work, Sontag critiques the tendency to overanalyze art and literature, arguing that excessive interpretation can detract from the experience of the work itself. She believes that art should be appreciated for its sensory and emotional impact rather than being reduced to mere symbols or meanings.
Sontag advocates for a more direct engagement with art, emphasizing the importance of experiencing it without the filter of intellectual analysis. She calls for a shift in focus from interpretation to appreciation, encouraging audiences to embrace the aesthetic qualities of art and literature as a means of understanding their value.