In 1967, Roland Barthes published his influential essay 'The Death of the Author,' which argued against the idea that a text's meaning is determined by its author's biography. Barthes asserted that the reader plays a crucial role in interpreting texts, shifting the focus from authorial intent to the reader's experience. This revolutionary perspective has significantly impacted literary theory and criticism, encouraging diverse interpretations and the exploration of multiple meanings.

Roland Barthes' declaration of 'The Death of the Author' shifted critical authority to the reader, empowering experimental, open-form, and interactive poetic structures. Poets like Vanessa Place and Kenneth Goldsmith utilized this shift to create works that engage readers in co-creating meaning, challenging traditional literary hierarchies.