Whether you have been asked to write an interpretative paper on art piece or art, or write a response essay on the a given topic, this guide will help you write a perfect paper that will amaze your lecturer or teacher.
Should you have further questions or need help writing this kind of paper, feel free to ask a question.
Now let’s look at how you write a good college interpretive paper – response or analytical.
Assignments in writing this kind of paper can come in many forms including: “analytical interpretive essay”, “interpretive analysis essay”, or “interpretive response essay”
Contents
What is an interpretive essay?
An interpretive essay is a form of writing in which the writer attempts to interpret or analyze a work of art. In this kind of essay, you will often be asked to provide your opinion on the meaning behind the subject matter. When writing interpretive essays, use good grammar and strong vocabulary to show that you are not simply describing something, but instead interpreting it thoroughly.
You will generally be required to describe a work of art in depth and then state your opinion on its meaning. An interpretive essay may only discuss one work or it could discuss many works, such as several pieces of artwork that relate together. Some instructors require you to write an interpretive essay about the symbolism contained within Ray Bradbury’s Fahrenheit 451 or to interpret the meaning behind an artist’s artwork.
To start writing an interpretive essay, pick a work of art that is interesting to you and will grab your reader’s interest as well. Be sure to include the basic information about the subject matter in your first paragraph so that the reader has some background about what she is reading. Be sure to discuss the work thoroughly, you have to analyze it and then interpret its meaning.
‘Interpretive essay’ is a relatively broad term, so your instructor may ask you to write about something different than what has been said here. If that’s the case, follow your teacher’s instructions carefully for your grade depends on them.
If you attend a community college or other type of school where you are being taught in English as a second language, you may be required to submit an interpretive essay with your writing assignment. In such cases, it is advisable that you seek the advice of your instructor before preparing and submitting yours.
Structure of an Analytical interpretive essay
Depending on the subject matter of your interpretive essay, how you write it will vary but the structure remains similar to writing an academic essay of any kind. There are several different words used to describe the structure of an interpretive essay; however, they all follow a similar form:
- Introduction
- Body paragraphs
- Conclusion
A typical outline for writing an interpretive essay includes these elements: Write a strong introduction that contains your thesis statement and grabs the reader’s interest.
Write body paragraphs that discuss the subject matter, using specific examples to support your position. Your first paragraph should contain a strong topic sentence and several supporting details about the work of art you are analyzing. The rest of your paragraphs should also provide a thorough analysis, but they can be shorter than your first one.
The purpose of your conclusion is to restate your thesis statement and provide it with more detail or explanation. It can be longer than the body paragraphs, but should still be relatively short because you don’t want it to take away from the discussion that took place in the body paragraphs.
As you write an interpretive essay, make sure you include plenty of strong supporting details to backup your visual analysis. This shows the reader that you not only know about the subject matter, but you can analyze it as well.
Tips for writing an interpretive essay
When writing a thesis statement for an interpretive essay, concentrate on analyzing and interpreting the subject matter rather than simply describing it. Using strong vocabulary will help you to come across as a more intelligent writer, and it also allows your reader to understand what you are trying to convey.
If the interpretation that you present in your essay is not credible, then it doesn’t matter how well-written or organized your paper is because no one will take any of it seriously. Don’t try to interpret something that isn’t already there, and make sure your interpretation is plausible. Be sure to cite the evidence for your claims so that your reader knows where you obtained it from.
Be familiar with the subject matter of an interpretive essay before composing one on it. If you don’t know what you are talking about or if you present a weak argument, then it doesn’t matter how well you write it or organize it; your poor overall analysis will carry the paper.
If you are attending a school where English is not your native language, you may want to have someone read and edit your interpretive essay before submitting it to your teacher. Your instructor is likely to be well-versed in the proper use of English grammar, but that doesn’t mean your paper will reflect that knowledge if it hasn’t been read and edited by someone with a better understanding than you currently have.
Summary: interpretive paper writing
An interpretive essay requires a student to analyze an idea or subject matter and then provide a detailed interpretation of it. This type of paper is typically used to evaluate literature, music, or painting; however, it can also be written about other subject matter.
It is important that you consult with your instructor before submitting an interpretive essay because he may require a specific format for this type of assignment. To analyze an idea or subject matter and then provide a detailed interpretation of it.
Art interpretation essay example
An art interpretation essay tries to understand the meaning behind an image, which can be a picture or sculpture. It is usually used as an English assignment.
An art interpretation essay is a paper that examines the meanings and elements present in a piece of artwork. It is most often used in high school English courses as writing assignments; however, they are sometimes also found on standardized tests such as the SAT, GRE, and GMAT exam.
They typically consist of one page with at least one paragraph that discusses all of these components:
1) The work’s themes (i.e., its message),
2) The work’s form (i.e., what it physically looks like),
3) Close reading of specific sections within the work (if applicable),
4) Other works of art that relate to the work in question.
An art interpretation paper may also require a title and a bibliography.
When instructors request an art interpretation essay, they are typically looking for students to express their opinions or feelings about the piece instead of simply listing facts like when it was created, who made it, etc.
This is not to say that facts should be avoided; however, factual information is typically used to support the writer’s interpretation of the work. It may also be required that an art interpretation essay highlight a certain aspect of a work, such as its religious or political significance.
Art interpretation essay format
Writing an art interpretation essay requires a specific format when it comes to the actual paper. The layout of an art interpretation essay usually consists of a title page, abstract, body content, and a works cited or bibliography page.
The term “body content” simply refers to the steps mentioned above:
1) The work’s themes (if applicable),
2) The work’s form,
3) Close reading of specific sections within the work (if applicable),
4) Other works of art that relate to the work in question.
These four components may be written about separately; however, it is more common for them to be incorporated into a single paragraph or even spread out across two paragraphs.
It is important not to simply list facts when writing an art interpretation essay. To do so would be to take on the role of a historian, which is not required when writing this paper.
It is also important to remember that you will not always need to cover all four components when completing an art interpretation essay.
Art interpretation essay examples:
This is a sample essay written by a student on the works of Emily Dickinson. Since, this sample
Example #1: Interpretive analysis essay example
Emily Dickinson’s poetry is often strange and unlike any of her contemporaries. One of her most famous poems, “Because I Could Not Stop for Death,” depicts a scene that could have been written by Poe or Kafka. In it, a woman is driving in her carriage when she sees Death approaching on foot. She stops the carriage and asks Death to ride with her, but Death refuses. Death replies that he has no business in the carriage because she is not dying. Reconsidering, the woman decides she is willing to die if it means riding with Death; however, again Death denies her offer and returns to his pursuit of another individual. In a sudden fit of desperation, she cries out, “Stop, and I will go with thee!” (l. 5), but it is too late; Death has already passed her by. She cries out in despair as she watches him proceed on to his next victim: “And out of the carriage window / I watched him…and saw him / Pass on” (ll. 9-12). Throughout the poem, Dickinson’s imagery portrays Death as a constant pursuer of human beings. Even while seated inside her carriage, the woman knows that Death is out there waiting for her. She cannot escape him; therefore, she simply wants to spend as much time with him before he takes her away from Earth.
Although it was written by one of America’s greatest female poets, “Because I Could Not Stop for Death” was initially criticized by critics of the time who felt it was too morbid and macabre. However, modern readers interpret the poem as a metaphor for Dickinson’s inability to commit herself to love or religion. It is also possible to see this poem as an allegory for death in general. In this manner, the poem is symbolic of human life and mortality.
Before writing one on any work of art, be sure to do some research on the given artist’s background to become well-informed about their life and work.
In their introductory paragraph, students should provide relevant contextual information that will help them make sense of the work they are analyzing.
Body: In addition to discussing what they consider “successes” in the artwork (or its primary themes), students should also identify elements in the artwork that were “failures.”
Their conclusion should include a paragraph in which they synthesize their interpretation by explaining how the work of art addresses aesthetic concerns.
Use your lecturer interpretive essay rubric to ensure that you have followed the guidelines set and increase your chance of getting a better grade.
What is an interpretive response essay?
This is an analytical interpretive essay in which the writer gets to grips with his or her response to a text, idea or issue. The reader will often be asked for interpretation of a particular event at the start and how some aspect of it has influenced their point of view. You might be asked to describe an object and explain how it is symbolic or relate a real life experience you have had. The aim of this kind of essay is expressive exposition, conveying the reader an understanding of your response to the subject matter in hand.
In interpretive essays you are expected to: show that you understand what you are reading, respond creatively and critically; ask questions; expound ideas clearly
How does an interpretive essay differ from other types of essay writing: A response paper is not just simply stating whether or not you agree with something, not giving a summary of facts or expressing your own opinion. It will typically contain more thought than simple regurgitation. You’ll need to put down some thoughts on your reaction and feelings about the subject. You’ll need to show why you are reacting in that particular way and sometimes draw conclusions from your reaction or point out patterns of events or aspects of a text.
When writing an interpretive essay, remember:
• Compare and contrast texts or ideas, you may be asked to focus on similarities between two different topics, such as poetry or music
• Extrapolate what the implications are for society today based on historical evidence.
The form of interpretative essays:
You will be asked to write an interpretive essay in a number of different forms. For example:
1) Compare and contrast text with self
2) Explain what you think the impact is on society today
3) Compare texts or ideas
The structure for writing an interpretive response essay can change from university to university but keep these general points in mind:
Introduction – You need to draw attention to your topic, tell the reader where you are going with it by giving a clear direction statement.
Body – this will divide into paragraphs giving each aspect of your subject its own paragraph.
Conclusion – Your closing remarks, summarise key points, bring the essay to a close. You will be asked at some stage in your interpretation to say “what are the implications?” Do not forget a bibliography and avoid plagiarism
How you can go about writing an interpretive response essay:
What do I write my interpretation on?
This is where you get creative! Choose something that interests you or affects your life in some way.
It could be historical, political, social, philosophical etc.
Any topic that genuinely draws attention is suitable for an interpretive essay but it should be one which has caught your interest or had some personal impact on you.
Perhaps it’s a poem made special by just how beautiful its language is;
Or maybe it’s a book with lots of underlying meanings and suggestions which you have to really think about;
Or it could be a film that makes you see something in a different light or an experience from your own past.
The Interpretation: Keep these points in mind when searching for your subject matter:
- Choose something that has made a lasting impression on you and don’t just plump for the first thing that comes into your head
- Focus on topics which relate to issues you feel are important and relevant today or historically.
- You don’t have to choose something directly related to current affairs, pick something where there is more scope for interpretation and discussion.
- Remember it doesn’t need to be modern-day pop culture as long as it’s interesting and thought provoking!
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