Author Theory

The author is a portal through which a written or developed creation becomes reality via a multitude of outside influences.

According to Foucault, the creation takes on its own life once the author or portal is removed.

Then, according to Barthes, the creation cannot be deciphered according to the author’s mood or background for deeper meaning. The creation stands alone.

Plus, once this creation is standing alone or becomes common knowledge, it can be taken up by other authors and used to create something completely new.

So, the author loses his or her relevancy. The author is just a portal through which a combination of influences flow to create a final product that adds to a forever growing pool of ideas. One idea is built upon another. Therefore, the emphasis changes from the author to the line of works being created that are establishing new and better ways of expression of an idea. Ultimately, the trend involves always building upon a previous thought for the sake of continuing to develop in culture and society.