Final answer:
The word 'yawp' in 'The Elephant Man' can be interpreted as a loud, harsh cry based on the context in which it is used. The understanding of the word's meaning goes beyond the author's intent, as reflected by the example of the poet discovering unintended themes in his own work.
Step-by-step explanation:
When determining the meaning of the word yawp as it is used in The Elephant Man, we must rely on context to guide our understanding. In literature, yawp could mean a loud, harsh cry or a clamorous assertion of one's presence. The particular context in which the word is used, such as the actions or emotions preceding or following the yawp, heavily influences its interpretation. There may not be a single definitive meaning since the author's words can convey more than what was explicitly intended, as noted by the anecdote of the poet who was unaware of the repeated imagery in his own poems. Similarly, the word yawp could encompass nuances beyond a straightforward definition.
To craft this definition, we immersed ourselves in the textual details surrounding the term, understanding that authors can unintentionally convey meanings they did not foresee. This approach is consistent with the philosophy that when reading literature, we focus on the text itself rather than speculating on authorial intent.