Debate about Authorial Intent in Literary Criticism

In the field of literary criticism, there exists a profound debate regarding the role of the author in interpreting a text. Some critics argue that an author's intentions should greatly influence how a text is understood, asserting that understanding the context in which a work was produced is essential for its interpretation. Others, however, contend that once a text is published, it becomes independent of its creator's influence.

This latter perspective emphasizes the reader's interpretation and the text's inherent meanings, regardless of the author's original purpose. This debate raises questions about responsibility in authorship, the power of creative expression, and how literature interacts with cultural and social contexts.

Based on this discussion, which of the following statements best captures a central theme of the debate surrounding authorial intent?