Chapter 1

 The art of communicating a literary or oral selection in its intellectual, emotional, aesthetic entirety to an audience to arouse a meaningful response
 “Interpretation is the process of studying and performing text.” (Yordon, Roles in Interpretation , 2002).
 Oral interpretation is the analysis and the performance of text (literature) which requires three necessary components: text, performer and audience.
 Text includes the traditional concept of literature such as prose, poetry, drama, as well as nontraditional concepts of literature such as letters, diaries, autobiography, interviews, oral history, personal narrative and conversation.

Oral Interpretation Public Speaking
 standing before an audience to share ideas/feelings and addressing the audience directly.
 the interpreter is bound by the words of the text
 uses another person’s words that may or may not reflect the interpreter’s true feelings and attitudes; and suggests other characters.
 standing before an audience to share ideas/feelings and addressing the audience directly.
 will use original work
 the speaker typically will use an extemporaneous delivery from an outline & the speaker’s attitude and feelings; and will remain her/himself.

 Communication
 Audience
 Ethically responsible
 Anxiety
 Analysis of content
 Analysis of structure
 No characters
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Communication
Audience
Ethically responsible
Anxiety
Analysis of content
Analysis of structure
Characters

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 a. Is suggestive – theatre is in your own mind b. Uses all literary texts, not just one median c. Does not have to be memorized d. No accessories – you are the prop e. Play multiple roles f. Not directed – come up with your own concepts
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 a. Creates a world using literal effects b. Uses one medium – drama c. Is memorized d. Uses accessories
(costumes, lighting, make-up, a stage, sound, etc.) e. One person plays one role f. Is directed

 1. Intellectual – mental stimulation
 a. Expand knowledge of good literature
 b. Expand knowledge of cultures
 2. Emotional – the feelings that are communicated; to arouse a response
 a. Increases self-confidence
 b. Entertainment
 3. Aesthetic – choices you make that help the audience understand your take on the literature

 Universality
 Appeals to the human experience/ common experiences
 Individuality
 The right approach to the piece through word choice, images, and organization
 Suggestion
 Implied meanings, signals, the unknown

 JUST to live under green leaves and see them
Just to lie under low stars and watch them wane,
Just to sleep by a kind heart and know it loving
Again–
Just to wake on a sunny day and the wind blowing,
Just to walk on a bare road in the bright rain,–
These, O God, and the night, and the moon showing
Again–
Again
By Marjorie Lowry Christie Pickthall

 1.
Prose – any published worthwhile literature except poetry or drama. Examples include selections from short stories, novels, autobiographies, diaries, etc.
 2.
Poetry – any published worthwhile literature written in poetic form.
 3.
Dramatic Interpretation – any published worthwhile literature in which characters engage in dialogue throughout. Examples include plays, screenplays, books, etc.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qpNiSaW4rpw
Poetry

 4. Humorous Interpretation – any published worthwhile literature in which characters engage in dialogue throughout. Examples include plays, screenplays, books, etc.
 5.
Dramatic Duo Interpretation - any published worthwhile literature involving the portrayal of two or more characters presented by two individuals in which an offstage focus must be maintained. Examples include plays, screenplays, books, etc.
 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OQapgp1--78
Humor & Duo

Snow White
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 http://www.youtube.com/wa tch?v=oV7NLt-aJEY
4:32
We are never getting back together
 http://www.youtube.com/wa tch?v=Q_wFXC2fpbc
 1:45

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This is Sam Mussmann's Programmed Oral Interpretation
(POI), an interpretive event that takes selections from at least two of drama, poetry, and prose, and combines them into a program, creating an argument.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oZ23Z4_z4Kc&playnex t=1&list=PL8BF349CBBC6A51FB http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8CyvO2GYs_w http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_ieleINuVg&feature=related http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YdorjJOOeY&feature=related