Introduction
Roland Barthes, a French literary theorist, introduced a revolutionary concept in his 1967 essay titled “The Death of the Author.” This idea transformed the way people think about literature, meaning, and authorship. In the essay, Barthes argues that the author should not be treated as the final authority over the meaning of a text. Instead, it is the reader who gives life and meaning to the words. This concept is especially important in the study of folklore, where stories are created and retold by communities rather than a single writer.
Background of the Idea
- Before Barthes, literature was mostly studied through the biography and intention of the author.
- Critics often tried to understand what the author meant when they wrote a poem, story, or novel.
- Barthes challenged this approach by asking: Why should the author control what the reader understands?
Main Arguments of “Death of the Author”
1. The Author is Not the Authority
- Barthes says that the moment a text is written, the author’s personal intentions no longer matter.
- The text belongs to the reader and has multiple possible meanings.
2. Writing is a Space of Many Voices
- A text is not created by one mind—it is a mix of cultural influences, language, and ideas.
- The writer is just one part of a long chain of meaning-making.
3. Focus on the Reader
- The role of the reader is more important than the author.
- Each reader brings their own experience, background, and interpretation to the text.
4. Liberation of the Text
- By removing the author from the center, the text becomes free to have many meanings.
- This makes literature more dynamic and democratic.
Examples to Understand the Concept
- In folklore, no one knows who first created a tale or proverb. These stories evolve as people retell them.
- Each performance or narration adds something new. This supports Barthes’ idea that meaning is not fixed by the original creator.
- For example, the story of Rama and Sita changes in different cultures—folk versions, tribal stories, and regional retellings all reinterpret the characters.
Why Is This Important in Folklore Studies?
- In folklore, authorship is collective. Stories come from communities, not individuals.
- Barthes’ theory helps scholars understand that a tale can have multiple versions and meanings.
- It encourages researchers to focus on how audiences receive and interpret stories, not just who created them.
Criticism of Barthes’ Theory
- Some critics say that knowing the author’s life and intention can still help us understand the context of a text.
- Others believe that removing the author might lead to confusion or lack of direction in analysis.
Conclusion
Roland Barthes’ “Death of the Author” is a foundational idea in modern literary and cultural theory. It shifts the focus from the creator to the consumer of the text. In the study of folklore, this approach is especially useful, as it supports the idea that meaning is created through sharing, performance, and interpretation. Instead of searching for one “true” version or author, we can embrace the richness of many voices and meanings.