Full Idea
The use of biographical evidence need not involve intentionalism, because while it may be evidence of what the author intended, it may also be evidence of the meaning of his words and the dramatic character of his utterance.
Clarification
'Intentionalism' is judging a work by its intentions
Gist of Idea
Biography can reveal meanings and dramatic character, as well as possible intentions
Source
W Wimsatt/W Beardsley (The Intentional Fallacy [1946], §IV)
Book Reference
'Philosophy Looks at the Arts', ed/tr. Margolis,Joseph [Charles Scribner 1962], p.98
A Reaction
I am very keen to penetrate the author's intentions, but I have always be doubtful about the use of biography as a means to achieve this. Most of the effort to infer intentions must come from a study of the work itself, not introductions, letters etc.