The Aims of Interpretation

E.D. Hirsch, Jr.'s work on the aims of interpretation, particularly in literary criticism, emphasizes the crucial role of authorial intention. While critics like W.K. Wimsatt, Jr., and Monroe Beardsley, in their concept of the "intentional fallacy," argued against relying on the author's intent, Hirsch maintained that understanding the author's purpose is essential for determining a work's success and meaning. Without this knowledge, he contended, it's impossible to ascertain if the work fulfills the original intention. This perspective contrasts with approaches that prioritize subjective interpretations or external information, asserting that the author's intended meaning is key to valid interpretation.12