Synopsis
The third chapter of this book examines issues raised by interpretation and explains what brings about a comparison between interpretations. Since chapter one, and two conveyed the movement to ideas in the environment of ‘‘asking questions, and demonstrating the meaning of something using distinct terms’’ (The big picture 70), this chapter begins by stating that some interpretations have better descriptions than others and ‘‘an interpretation must have an interpretive context’’ (Context and the making of meaning 72-73). Since different interpretations have varying descriptions, the reader has to be keen to what is conversed in the book other than other people’s thoughts.
This chapter also reveals that people who embrace an informative venture usually contemplates a concealed implication or metaphor in interpretation. In the process of discovering the hidden meaning, people begin a discussion which leads to an argument (Figurative Logic 79). One aspect of an argument is sloganizing, where each side claims the identity of certain words (A Brief Glossary of Common Logical Fallacies 93). Generally, readers should be able to recognize plausibility in books for proper understanding of an interpretation, and during interpretations, meanings must have reasons and sufficient evidence.
Quotes
- ‘‘Asking questions, and demonstrating the meaning of something using distinct terms’’ (p. 70)
- ‘‘An interpretation must have an interpretive context’’ (p. 72-73)
- ‘‘The reader pays attention to what is in the book’’ (p. 74-75)
- ‘‘An interpretive project considers a hidden meaning or metaphor’’ (p. 79)
- ‘‘One feature of an argument is sloganizing’’ (p. 93)
Personal Reflection
In my opinion, the material in this section is essential because it equips the reader with interpretative skills such as using metaphor. This book also provides the understanding that some interpretations will always have more positive feedback than others. The difference in the quality of feedback is why we are advised to try different interpretations that will enrich our view of the world. Overall, the author is trying to address and explain specific issues raised by interpretation, and by doing so, the author has highlighted various strategies. One of these strategies is interpretive context, whereby I have learned that a researcher or writer must have the ability to locate their work in the context of other scientists who have attained the same results. This collaboration keeps research from being secluded and therefore gives it more credibility.
Using the drawing titled The Dancers in figure 3.2, I have learned that this intention plays a vital role in meaning whenever an intention is referred to as a drawing or an act. The fact that a concept can be derived from a picture has increased my knowledge of meaning acquisition without losing the universal idea in this book. However, I still find it tricky to understand why a single, correct answer is referred to as a misstep in interpretation production instead of saving time by reducing the area of coverage.
Questions
- What are the other missteps in interpretation production?
- Are there any other strategies concerning moving from observation to implication?
- Can we analyze things intended to mean nothing at all? If so, how?
Checklist
Is your bibliographic correct? I believe so.
How many words is your synopsis? 190
How many quotes have you included, and have you included their page numbers? Five from the textbook, and yes, I have.
How many words is your reflection, and is it personal, meaning do you write about your own experience and thoughts and reactions to the material in this chapter? 227 and yes.
Reference
Rosenwasser, David, and Jill Stephen. ‘‘Reading Analytically.’’ Writing Analytically. 8th ed., Cengage, 2019, pp. 70-82, and 93-97.