Roland Barthes famously declared 'the death of the author,' arguing that texts should be interpreted independently of authorial intentions. Readers create meaning through their own cultural contexts. Yet when authors from marginalized groups have gained literary recognition, some have resisted this framework, arguing that their identities and experiences are essential to understanding their work. This tension remains unresolved in contemporary criticism.
Based on the passage, it can be inferred that
all literary critics now follow Barthes's approach exclusively
theoretical frameworks may have different implications depending on the context in which they're applied
authors from marginalized groups prefer anonymity
authorial intention is always irrelevant to textual meaning
Correct Answer: B
Choice B is the best answer. The same framework has different implications for different groups.
- Context clues: Barthes's theory works one way; for marginalized authors it has different effects.
- Meaning: Context of application changes a theory's implications.
- Verify: The "tension remains unresolved" because the framework works differently in different cases.
💡 Strategy: When a theory produces different effects in different contexts, infer context-dependence of implications.
Choice A is incorrect because the tension with marginalized authors shows disagreement. Choice C is incorrect because they've "gained literary recognition" and emphasize their identities. Choice D is incorrect because some argue identity "is essential" to understanding work.