Interpretation amongst different people.
As a student of English, I am bound to study different literature texts and one of the things you'd realize is each person has his own unique way of interpreting a text. Like the snowflake, there would be similarities but you'd see that no two analysis of a text is the same. A book I've read in my first and second years respectively is : Death and the King's Horseman by Wole Soyinka. The book is brilliant as it explores the dangers of misinterpreting things on the pretext of ignorance.
The text is set in a Nigeria before independence. The protagonist who goes by the name of Elesin was is the dead king's horseman. The text delves into the idea of ritual killing as Elesin is supposed to commit suicide so he can accompany his master (the king) in the afterlife and continue to serve him. It is noteworthy that the idea of ritual killing is something that was practiced in different cultures. The Japanese had what was called "Sepuku" and the ancient Aztecs were notorious for their human sacrifices. In this text, the role of the Elesin is seen as a very critical one so he is treated like an egg, he is adored by the people and treated with respect. Unfortunately for Elesin, he is prevented from fulfilling his duty by the colonial governor of the area "Pilkings" from here, the text takes on a sad route till the end. Elesin pays dearly for this as his young son "Olunde" who is a student abroad kills himself in his father's place. After this, Elesin kills himself.
The book explores how people from different cultures interpret the idea of death. The characters engage in philosophical debates where ideologies are questioned. Olunde's conversation with Mrs. Pilkings is the best example. Here Mrs. Pilkings sees the act of death by suicide as barbarian in nature and Olunde counters that her county sends young men to die en masse in the name war.
The text teaches the reader that as people we would all have our ideas about certain issues. And while we may not always agree on what people say; it is important to respect their views and allow them speak their minds.