Why talk about authorial intent?

As you probably know, merely identifying language techniques or dramatic devices makes for a weak argument. The argument may be strengthened by talking about the effect of the techniques, but becomes far more meaningful if you consider why the composer chose to convey them – something many students neglect to do. Including a discussion of authorial intent is the fastest way to strengthen any analysis! Remember, no author, playwright, poet, or composer of any kind puts something in their text for no reason. Authorial intent is a crucial part of any text analysis; whether you make direct references to it, or merely let it inform your ideas, your understanding of any text is not complete without it.