[jshevek]

"examine the author's intent"

That's tricky.

Do we take the author at face value when they make claims about their intent?

Many critics seem to think they can see the author's "true intent", and when they can't substantiate their claim, blame others for failing to see what they see.

[evolve2017]

I think that's an issue that a lot of science-minded folks disagree with.

I happen to think there's a lot about the author's time/mental state/life circumstances that one can find in the words themselves.

A much more light-hearted example is Quentin Tarrantino's insistence that he hasn't watched the Truffaut film 'And the bride wore black' - even though Kill Bill is an eerily similar remake.

Should I believe the author's product or his rationalization?