How does author’s purpose in literary works differ from author's purpose in informational texts?

Question

Authors of literary works will usually have a clear, set purpose for writing, while authors of informational texts will usually be vague about why they are writing.

Authors of literary works only want to entertain readers, while authors of informational texts want to convince readers of a point of view.

In literary works, the author’s purpose is usually to persuade or convince, while in informational texts, the author’s purpose is usually to inform or explain.

In literary works, the author’s purpose is often subtle or subconscious, while in informational texts, the author’s purpose is more straightforward.

Answer 1

The most accurate distinction between the author's purpose in literary works and in informational texts lies in the nature of their intentions. Here's a breakdown of the correct perspective:

• In literary works, the author’s purpose is often to entertain, evoke emotions, or explore themes, characters, and human experiences. This purpose can be expressed through various elements like narrative style, character development, and symbolism, and may not always be explicit.

• In informational texts, the author's purpose is usually to inform, explain, or provide facts and data on a specific topic. The intention is often stated clearly, aiming to educate or persuade based on information rather than emotion or narrative.

Thus, the correct statement would be that in literary works, the author’s purpose is often to entertain or explore complex themes, while in informational texts, the author’s purpose is primarily to inform or explain.