Authors Intentions

Each of us is unique, having different cultural, social, racial, historical backgrounds. These elements provide the frame of reference by which we interpret the world around us. Consequently, each of us will interpret an event differently (though those differences may not be much). Communication is inherently hazardous, but fortunately, within a given community, there is sufficient common ground for meaningful, relatively unambiguous conversations to occur. When we read a novel, we do not have any real access to the author's frame of reference, and we can only interpet the many pages of words from our own frame. And I agree that, to this extent, the author's intention in writing is irrelevant. We will interpret the story our own way, which may or may not coincide with what the author intended. But we will never know. A play is slightly different, because along with the story (as described by the dialogue), the script also provides clues about what is going on through the incorporated directions. If I say, "you suck", it is a completely meaningless statement, because it has no context. You are free to interpret however you like. But, if in the context of play, we see: Mike: (despondently) "You suck!" There is now a lot more information to help determining intended meaning. I've got no idea about Barthe. However, my logic says (in response to the original question) that it cannot filter through to any performing art where supplementary information enriches the dialogue. That is not to say, though, that a playwright's intent can always be determined accurately. But I think there is a better chance of it.