Author’s Intent: Identifying Main Ideas and Moral Messages in English
Decoding the "Why" Behind the "What": The Key to Deep Textual Understanding
Every word ever written has a mission. When a writer sits down to type, they have a specific goal in mind: Do they want to change your opinion? Do they want to teach you a new skill? Or do they simply want to entertain you? Author’s Intent is the "hidden compass" of a text. Mastering this skill in English allows you to navigate complex media landscapes and understand the moral lessons (messages) embedded in stories and articles.
1. The P.I.E. Framework
In English academic standards, we use the P.I.E. acronym to quickly categorize the purpose of almost any text you encounter:
Persuade
The author wants you to believe or do something.
(e.g., Editorials, Advertisements)
Inform
The author wants to give facts and explain a topic.
(e.g., News, Textbooks)
Entertain
The author wants to engage your emotions.
(e.g., Novels, Poetry, Scripts)
2. Finding the "Moral" in Modern Narratives
In stories (fiction), the author rarely states the moral message directly. Instead, they hide it within the character's journey. To find it, ask yourself: "What lesson did the main character learn the hard way?"
3. Detecting Bias: The Hidden Agenda
Sometimes, an author claims to "Inform" but is actually trying to "Persuade." This is called Bias. In English media, watch for "Loaded Words"—words that carry strong emotions.
For example, describing a protest as a "violent riot" vs. a "brave demonstration" shows the author's intent to make you feel a certain way. Mastery of these nuances is what separates a basic reader from a strategic communicator.
Career Relevance: Copywriting & PR Management
If you can identify author’s intent, you can also create it. This is the foundation of Copywriting and Public Relations (PR). Companies like Apple, Nike, and Tesla spend billions on writers who know how to embed intent into every sentence. Advertisers for Creative Writing Workshops, Digital Marketing Courses, and English Literature Degrees are looking for students who can see beyond the surface of a text!