An open book rests beside a crumpled gold wrapper with glowing sparks rising from it on a dark wooden surface.

Original artwork, not a still

Lex Luthor

Some people can read War and Peace and come away thinking it’s a simple adventure story. Others can read the ingredients on a chewing gum wrapper and unlock the secrets of the universe.

— Superman

Behind the line

What it means

Our interpretation.

The contrast makes understanding depend on the reader as much as the material. A great novel can seem simple, while a chewing-gum wrapper can prompt extraordinary insight. The exaggeration gives something ordinary surprising depth and makes a grand book no guarantee of a grand response.

Context reviewed

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