Question

Compare the oral readings of the poem with your written reading. Write a summary paragraph that evaluates which interpretation of the poem you prefer. Use evaluation criteria and details from each reading to explain your reasoning.

Excerpt from "The Love Song of J. Alfred Prufrock" by T.S. Eliot
"And I have known the arms already, known them all — Arms that are braceleted and white and bare (But in the lamplight, downed with light brown hair!) Is it perfume from a dress That makes me so digress? Arms that lies along a table, or wrap about a shawl. And should I then presume? And how should I begin? . . .
Shall I say, I have gone at dusk through narrow streets And watched the smoke that rises from the pipes Of lonely men in shirt-sleeves, leaning out of windows?
I should have been a pair or ragged claws Scuttling across the floors of silent seas."

Answer 1

Comparing oral and written readings of T.S. Eliot's "The Love Song of J. Alfred Prufrock" reveals that an oral interpretation offers rhythm and emotional expression, while a written reading allows for personal and reflective interaction with the text.

Step-by-step explanation:

When comparing the oral and written readings of T.S. Eliot's poem "The Love Song of J. Alfred Prufrock," preference may vary between individuals. An oral reading might capture the rhythm, tone, and emotional nuances in a way that resonates more deeply with listeners. The cadence and emphasis placed on certain words can bring the poem to life, offering an interpretation that is enriched by the speaker's voice and inflections. On the other hand, a written reading allows for a more personal and introspective experience. It enables readers to absorb the details and diction at their own pace, to go back over lines that intrigue or challenge them, and to form an intimate bond with the text. Both interpretations can significantly enhance the understanding and appreciation of the poem, though personal preferences might lean towards the immediacy and auditory elements of the oral reading or the reflective nature of the written words.