Roland Barthes’ essay “The Death of the Author” is one of the most influential pieces of literary criticism in the 20th century. Barthes argues that the author’s intentions are not relevant to the interpretation of a literary work, and that the text itself should be the focus of analysis. However, as an intentist, I believe that Barthes was wrong in his assertion that the author’s intentions do not matter in determining meaning.

To begin with, it is important to acknowledge that the author’s intentions cannot be the only factor in determining the meaning of a work of literature. The text itself, as well as the cultural and historical context in which it was produced and received, also play a significant role. However, to dismiss the author’s intentions altogether is to overlook an important aspect of the creative process. The author’s intentions shape the choices they make in creating the work, from the selection of themes and characters to the use of language and imagery. These choices are not random, but are made with a particular purpose in mind.

Furthermore, the author’s intentions can provide valuable insight into the meaning of a work, particularly in cases where the text is ambiguous or open to multiple interpretations. If the author has made their intentions clear, then this can help to narrow down the range of possible meanings and provide a more accurate understanding of the work.

It is also worth noting that the death of the author does not necessarily mean that the author’s intentions are irrelevant. Barthes’ argument was not that the author’s intentions should be ignored, but rather that they should not be seen as the sole source of meaning. This is a valid point, but it does not mean that the author’s intentions should be completely disregarded.

In conclusion, while the text itself is certainly an important factor in determining the meaning of a work of literature, I believe that the author’s intentions also play a crucial role. The author’s choices are not arbitrary, but are made with a specific purpose in mind. To ignore the author’s intentions altogether is to overlook an important aspect of the creative process and to potentially miss out on valuable insights into the meaning of a work. As an intentist, I firmly believe that the author’s intentions matter in determining meaning.