Question

What is Intentional Fallacy?

• A. The reader's mistake of looking for a message in a work
• B. To see one's own mood reflected in a work
• C. Error in attempting to assess the writer's intention
• D. The work not being related to the author

Hint:

Remember the two major fallacies identified by New Criticism: \begin{enumerate} \item Intentional Fallacy: Don't base your interpretation on the author's intent. \item Affective Fallacy: Don't base your interpretation on the emotional effect the work has on the reader. \end{enumerate} Both emphasize focusing solely on the text itself.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is C

Step 1: Concept Overview:
The question requires defining "Intentional Fallacy," a central concept in New Criticism.

Step 2: In-Depth Explanation:
\[\begin{array}{rl} \bullet & \text{W.K. Wimsatt and Monroe C. Beardsley coined the term "Intentional Fallacy" in their 1946 essay. } \\ \bullet & \text{It's the mistake of evaluating a literary work by trying to determine the author's initial intent. } \\ \bullet & \text{New Critics believe the text itself is the only legitimate basis for interpretation. The author's intention is unimportant; the text's content is paramount. } \\ \bullet & \text{Thus, seeking the author's intention is a critical fallacy. } \\ \end{array}\]

Step 3: Conclusion:
Option (C) correctly defines the Intentional Fallacy.