What is meant by "author's intent"?

The phrase "author's intent" specifically refers to the purpose behind writing a text. This purpose can encompass various aims, such as to inform, persuade, entertain, or provoke thought among readers. Understanding the author's intent allows readers to grasp the underlying messages, themes, or arguments presented in the work. It also illuminates why certain stylistic choices, such as tone and structure, are employed within the text to effectively convey those purposes.

The other choices do not accurately capture the essence of "author's intent." For example, identifying the year of publication does not provide insight into the reasons or motivations behind the author's choices in writing. Similarly, while knowing the style of writing used may enhance comprehension of the text, it doesn't directly address what the author aims to achieve with their work. Lastly, the author's likeliness to change their viewpoint pertains more to their personal beliefs or flexibility rather than the objective of their writing. Therefore, recognizing that the author's intent is fundamentally about understanding their purpose is essential in analyzing literary texts effectively.