Understanding English tenses can be a challenge, especially when it comes to nuances that native speakers often use without a second thought. One such nuance is the Present Perfect Continuous Tense , a powerful verb form used to express actions that started in the past and are still happening in the present — and may even continue into the future. This blog post will walk you through the correct usage, patterns, and implications of this essential English grammar tense. 🔍 What Is the Present Perfect Continuous Tense ? The Present Perfect Continuous Tense combines aspects of the present perfect and present continuous forms. It emphasizes the ongoing nature of an action or situation that began in the past and is still in progress at the time of speaking. For example: Parents have been guiding their children all their lives. Children have been receiving guidance from parents since early childhood. My nieces have been studying for five years. In these sentences, the...
Every written piece carries a hidden engine that drives its very creation—the author's purpose. Whether the goal is to inform, persuade, entertain, or express emotion, understanding this purpose helps readers unlock deeper meanings and appreciate the work on a more profound level.
🧭 What is the Author’s Purpose?
In every work of literature or nonfiction, the author's purpose refers to the intended effect the writer wants to have on the reader. It shapes not only what the author writes but how they write it. Writers consciously select literary forms, devices, and points of view that will best serve their main goal. Whether crafting an objective report or a lyrical poem, the form reflects the underlying purpose.
For example, when a writer wants to remain objective and simply inform, they often choose nonfiction prose forms such as an autobiography, a historical account, or an academic essay. These structures aim to present factual information and clarity, with minimal emotional influence. In such writing, the author’s purpose is rooted in expression through truth and knowledge.
🎭 Writing with Emotion: Affective and Subjective Intent
But writing doesn’t always aim to present facts—it often seeks to move the heart. When an author writes to share feelings or evoke empathy, the purpose shifts from the objective to the affective. Here, the intent is to stir the reader's emotions and bring them into the author’s world.
This affective writing typically appears in fiction, including the short story, drama, or poetry. Even forms like the informal essay, which straddles the line between fact and creativity, aim to entertain, connect, and resonate emotionally with the reader. This is where the author’s purpose blends emotion, imagination, and perspective to touch the reader deeply.
🎨 “Art for Art’s Sake”: Aesthetic Purpose in Writing
There’s a school of thought in literature that claims the ultimate purpose of writing is simply to create art. This view is grounded in the idea of aesthetic beauty—that the writer creates not to inform or persuade, but to craft a beautiful experience, one that is appreciated for its form, style, and expression.
This philosophy, echoed in the works of poets like John Keats, centers on the belief that “beauty is truth, truth beauty.” In this context, a literary work exists not to serve a utilitarian function, but to stand as an object of beauty that resonates with both the creator and the observer. The author’s purpose becomes one of creation and contemplation, appealing to our artistic senses.
👁️🗨️ The Role of Point of View in Serving Purpose
One powerful tool in aligning writing with purpose is the linguistic point of view. This choice influences how the reader experiences the message:
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First-person (“I,” “we”) creates intimacy and personal connection, ideal for expressive or affective writing.
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Second-person (“you”) draws the reader in, often used in persuasive or instructive texts.
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Third-person (“he,” “she,” “they,” “one”) allows for distance and objectivity, common in informational or academic writing.
Each point of view supports a specific narrative goal, allowing the author to better align the tone, focus, and message with their intended purpose.
🎵 Case Study: “Piano” by D.H. Lawrence
In his nostalgic poem “Piano”, D.H. Lawrence uses the first-person point of view to immerse readers in his memories. Through lyrical language, imagery, and a sentimental tone, he transports us to a time of childhood innocence, invoking warmth and melancholy. The choice of poetry over prose reveals a deeply affective and subjective purpose: to express longing, to evoke emotion, and to preserve memory.
The piano, acting as a symbol, triggers his flood of feelings, becoming more than an instrument—it becomes a portal to the past, a representation of family, home, and the comfort of youth. Lawrence’s weeping is not just sadness, but a recognition of time lost and beauty once lived.
This poem shows how form, point of view, and purpose converge to create a powerful emotional experience for the reader.
🧠 Final Thoughts: Why Purpose Matters
Understanding an author's purpose enriches our reading and helps us engage more deeply with texts. It teaches us that writing is never accidental—every choice, from genre to voice, is driven by the impact the author wants to leave behind. Whether to inform, affect, persuade, or simply create, the purpose is the soul of every piece of writing.
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