Should Authors Explain What Their Stories Really Mean?

Have you ever finished a book and spent hours wondering what the author was trying to say? Maybe the ending was confusing, a character's actions seemed symbolic, or the entire story appeared to have a deeper meaning you couldn't quite figure out. Sometimes, authors later explain their intentions in interviews, leaving readers surprised by how differently they interpreted the same story.

On one hand, an author's explanation can help readers appreciate hidden details, symbolism, and themes they might have missed. It can also clear up confusion when a story deliberately leaves important questions unanswered. Do you think authors should explain themselves, or would explaining spoil the whole story?