How do I view what you wrote?

On Interpretation.


After reading through each of the different approaches for interpreting literature I relate mostly to a formalist point of view. This is because it is how most, if not all, people are introduced to literature in their youth. Its what a foundation of interpretation is based on. First to understand the benchmark components to any writing, then to define and explain each in a coherent summery of that piece. This is where everyone begins their study, and where I feel most comfortable. Structure in style of writing is a reflection of structure in life. We live by schedules and cycles. We are grounded in nature to be look for the basic foundation first. The building blocks of what constructs what we are dealing with. Different styles of interpretation require a more in depth knowledge of the author, the era it was written, the influx of social statues and gender roles in society, or the want to explain it with a sexual mindset is always possible. These more in depth approaches require an ability to understand formalism, and then explain it with additional information about what influenced the author.

The ability to read it without knowledge of anything else, such as an unsigned undated piece of work, is why I prefer to take a formalistic view.




Title:   We Real Cool 

Author : Gwendolyn Brooks


When reading pieces of literature which are of a small scale, three to five syllables per line, the rhythm or sound of how its read plays a large role in its effect. A poem of this nature which follows a very small structure of only three syllables per line, do note the first line has four and the last line has two, can be read in multiple ways. Placing the stress on the We as the end of each line the object of the piece, and following a "ba bu dah, ba bu dah...." style lets us hear the sound of the piece as we read it. Forms which generate intuitive musical scales lead readers to follow along easier then having to read a monotone line by line example. The form of this piece is also very short in size with only three syllables per line. This helps to increase the impact of the few words selected. With only two one syllable words per line, those two words carry the full meaning of the poem. Increasing the weight of each word helps to increase the images they generate. For example the third line says "Lurk Late" imprints an idea of mischief, waisting time, lurking around till the the late part of the evening. Its ability to create a clear idea of what is being expressed while maintaining the proper rhythm and structure of the poem.

The construct gives meaning, the rhythm gives feeling, and the sound is appealing.