Authorial intentionality refers to the concept of a writer's intended meaning or message behind a literary work. It pertains to the conscious decisions and intentions of the author while creating a piece of literature. The term encompasses the author's purpose, goals, and motivations in writing, as well as the specific choices they make regarding characters, plot, themes, and other literary elements.
Authorial intentionality often plays a crucial role in literary analysis and interpretation. Scholars and critics examine an author's intention to grasp the deeper layers of meaning within a text and to understand the author's intended communication with the reader. Understanding the author's intentions can shed light on various aspects of a work, such as symbolism, character development, and narrative structures.
However, authorial intentionality also evokes debates within the field of literary theory. Some argue that the reader's interpretation of a text holds equal importance, if not more, than the author's intended meaning. This school of thought suggests that a text's meaning is constructed through the reader's interaction with the text, rather than relying solely on the author's intention.
In summary, authorial intentionality refers to the conscious decisions and intended meaning behind a literary work. It serves as a significant aspect of literary analysis, providing insights into an author's purpose and helping readers understand the intended messages within a text.
The word authorial intentionality is derived from two main components: authorial and intentionality.
1. Authorial - The term authorial is derived from the word author, which originates from the Latin word auctor, meaning originator or creator. The Middle English form of author was auctor, and it ultimately transformed into author in Modern English. The suffix -ial is used to form adjectives, denoting relating to or characteristic of the noun it attaches to. Therefore, authorial is used to describe something that is associated with or related to an author.
2. Intentionality - The word intentionality comes from the noun intention, which also has Latin roots. It derives from the Latin word intentio, meaning a stretching out, intent, purpose, or intention.