W. K. Wimsatt

W. K. Wimsatt was an influential literary theorist known for his contributions to New Criticism and Formalism. He argued that a work of literature should be analyzed independently from its author’s intentions and the reader’s personal responses. Instead, Wimsatt emphasized the importance of the text itself—its language, structure, and form. He believed that understanding these elements leads to a deeper appreciation of the work. His famous principle, "the intentional fallacy," cautioned against interpreting a piece based on what the author meant, advocating for a focus on the content and techniques present in the text itself.