Gustavus Adolphus College

• Event Category: Interpretive Event
• Time Limit: 10 Minutes
• Delivery Style: Manuscript

Poetry Interpretation

A selection or selections of poetry of literary merit, which may be drawn from more than one source. Play cuttings and prose works are prohibited. The use of a manuscript is required. Maximum time limit is 10 minutes, including an introduction.

Competitors are reminded of AFA-NIET general Rule 6-k, which states: "Coaches and/or students must have available at the District and National NIET tournaments copies of all interpretive and original events used at the tournaments." Further, the AFA Code of Ethics states that "Competitors are expected to bring to tournaments a copy of the original inclusive text along with the student's script."

Poetry interpretation may be based on one selection which can be performed as an individual unit, or on two or more selections arranged in a theme-inspired program. The poetry chosen should be of literary merit, and should possess a clear point in that it poses a question, presents an issue, or explicates or clarifies a conflict. Additionally, the chosen poetry selection may be focused on exploration of the realms of sight, sound, or image. The poetry selected should include some recognized poetic techniques including, but not limited to metaphor, alliteration, repetition, metered verse and so forth, as well as highly condensed levels of meaning. Prosaic material should be avoided. If multiple selections are used, they should be interwoven into a cohesive and carefully designed and organized whole by the linking of author(s) or of theme(s) inherent to the literature. An intellectually unified program is the desired result. Credit should be given for finding fresh literature, realizing that it is difficult to provide an individual interpretation of literature which is frequently performed. The selection of material for which a definitive interpretation had been widely seen, as in elimination rounds of recent national tournaments, should be discouraged.

Multiple characters may be developed to animate the interpretation. These should be distinct from each other, embodying definite gender, age, height and other distinguishing characteristics which enliven authentic characterizations. Reliance on caricature or stereotype should be resisted unless justified by the literature. Credit should be given to unique and interesting delivery choices which enhance the poetry. Delivery should be either natural and believable or appropriate to the literature. In all cases, it must be unaffected and well executed.

Allowing for the demonstration of excellence in public speaking as well as in organizational and interpretive skills, the performance should include an original memorized introduction composed by the student, delivered with manuscript closed, in accordance with the standards of good public speaking. Any transitions should be smooth and add clarity and coherence. The introduction should enhance the interpretation by relating the literature to the audience, providing necessary information about the genesis or theme of the poetry, The use of multiple poems or authors and their thematic linkage should be clarified for the audience.

Performances ranging from 8 to 10 minutes are recommended; deviations from the time limit should be penalized according to the severity of the violation.

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It has been said that the appreciation of poetry is one of the hallmarks of a cultivated mind. Toward that end, poetry interpretation attempts to highlight the unique linguistic devices employed by the author and to enhance the audience's understanding of the poem or poems. Students interested in literature are often attracted to poetry interpretation, but the event provides excellent training to anyone interested in symbolic interaction. Many stylistic devices are associated with poetry, including rhyme and metered verse.