09-13-2013, 02:09 PM
"Is interpretation a valid SUBSTITUTE for critique?"
Interpretation is valid to the degree that it aids the critique. All poems purport to have meaning, and interpretation can go to how clearly that meaning was conveyed and how deftly that was achieved. Interpretation also speaks to eloquence. Without an idea of what the poem is attempting to convey, how can one critique such areas as word usage. How can I state that I think this word would be a better choice over what was used, unless I can see that it would express the meaning more clearly, or have a greater impact in doing so. Once one passes beyond commenting on the basics of grammar, syntax, formal meter, et al., that is those things that are more or less objective and factual, everything else is based on an interpretation of the meaning. However, this usage of interpretation is completely different from the "book report" type of interpretation where we begin by saying, "This is what this poem means to me." If one wishes to know the validity of this "book report" approach, simply peruse some professional literary critiques such as those of Harold Bloom, or Northrop Frye, and see how often such an approach is used
Dale
Interpretation is valid to the degree that it aids the critique. All poems purport to have meaning, and interpretation can go to how clearly that meaning was conveyed and how deftly that was achieved. Interpretation also speaks to eloquence. Without an idea of what the poem is attempting to convey, how can one critique such areas as word usage. How can I state that I think this word would be a better choice over what was used, unless I can see that it would express the meaning more clearly, or have a greater impact in doing so. Once one passes beyond commenting on the basics of grammar, syntax, formal meter, et al., that is those things that are more or less objective and factual, everything else is based on an interpretation of the meaning. However, this usage of interpretation is completely different from the "book report" type of interpretation where we begin by saying, "This is what this poem means to me." If one wishes to know the validity of this "book report" approach, simply peruse some professional literary critiques such as those of Harold Bloom, or Northrop Frye, and see how often such an approach is used
Dale
How long after picking up the brush, the first masterpiece?
The goal is not to obfuscate that which is clear, but make clear that which isn't.
The goal is not to obfuscate that which is clear, but make clear that which isn't.