Meaning: This quote by author Jonathan Carroll sheds light on the diverse and varied nature of his audiences in different parts of the world. It highlights the fact that the demographic and interests of his readers can differ drastically depending on the location and context in which he is presenting his work.

In Poland, Carroll notes that his audience is predominantly composed of women between the ages of 18 and 30. This suggests that his writing may resonate particularly strongly with this demographic in Poland, perhaps due to the themes, characters, or cultural references present in his work. This insight into his Polish audience provides valuable information about the reception of his writing in a specific cultural and geographical context.

On the other hand, when Carroll attends conventions in the United States, he encounters a different audience - one that is primarily comprised of fans of fantasy and science fiction. This indicates that his work may have a strong appeal to this particular subculture of readers who are drawn to speculative fiction and imaginative storytelling. Understanding this audience demographic is crucial for authors and publishers in terms of marketing and promoting the work effectively.

The quote also references Carroll's experience presenting at Harvard, where he encounters yet another distinct audience. The mention of Harvard suggests that his work is appreciated in academic circles, indicating that it may possess literary or intellectual qualities that appeal to a more scholarly or literary-minded audience. This insight into the diversity of Carroll's audiences across different contexts underscores the breadth of his appeal and the wide-ranging impact of his writing.

Carroll's use of the term "schizophrenic" to describe his experiences with different audiences carries a certain irony, as it reflects the stark contrasts and contradictions he encounters in terms of the demographics and interests of his readers. This word choice also suggests the dissonance and cognitive dissonance that may arise from navigating such diverse audience dynamics, further emphasizing the complexity of engaging with varied reader groups.

Overall, this quote from Jonathan Carroll offers a compelling glimpse into the multifaceted nature of author-audience dynamics. It underscores the importance of understanding and adapting to the unique characteristics and preferences of different reader demographics in various cultural and institutional settings. By acknowledging the diverse nature of his audiences, Carroll demonstrates an awareness of the nuanced and ever-changing landscape of reader reception, reinforcing the idea that successful authors must be attuned to the distinct tastes and expectations of their readers in different contexts.