Impression, Portrayal or Depiction?

[toccoa42]

I've always had a semantic problem with the word "impression" regarding reenacting. It never quite seemed to fit what we do. It also seems a little presumptuous, in a sense, as if we are trying to add more importance or relevance to what we do by using big words.

My own preference is "portrayal", which probably comes from my high school stage acting experience waaaayyyy back when. You study the character, get a feeling for his history, wear the proper "costume", learn the script and then portray your character in the appropriate scenes. Which seems a lot closer to the essence of our hobby than "impression", as if we were soft wax into which the likeness of a soldier has been pressed. “Depiction” comes in a close second for me.

My wife and I batted this around for a while. She preferred "impression" but eventually came around to my way of thinking (don't all good wives do that?) and now corrects herself when she lapses into her old habit.

So, which do you prefer, and why? Or do you have another choice?

[Curt Schmidt]

Re: Impression, Portrayal or Depiction?

Hallo!

IMHO, it does not really matter much.

Although some folks get riled when their meticulously researched, documented, and crafted kit gets referred to as "costume" in the same way a $19.95 Halloween costume is. :)

Actually, I "voted" for "Other" as "Persona" was not on the list. ;) :)

While the Hobby Culture and tradition seems to have always held up "3rd Person Impression" or "1st Person Impression" or more simply "Impression," IMHO using the word "impression" for me conjures up "impressionists" like Frank Gorshin or Rich Little "doing" Richard Nixon or Henry Kissinger.

On the other hand, "persona" implies that things are not only "1st Person" or "Firper," but also that an element of the combination of "I" rather than "They" with aspects of a living person has been added. Meaning, elements of education, occupation, family relationships, religion, politics, beliefs, and good or bad life experiences.
(And comes across as "Time Warp" or the "Time Machine Model" rather just a "This is how they did this back then.")

In the end, yes, it is semantics outside of the Hobby, and often "jargon" within. If I say "I am portraying a Confederate soldier." it is just as understood as my saying "I depict a Confederate soldier." Or, "My impression is that of a Confederate soldier." But if I say to a "living historian" that my persona is of James Downey of Company "A" of the 5th Texas at Gettysburg on July 2nd- it may/should convey a different meaning.
But I could just as easily say "I am portraying a Confederate soldier named James Downey of Company "A" of the 5th Texas at Gettysburg on July 2nd." but IMHO it would not "say as much," have the same expectation or understanidng, or be as clear.

Maybe... ;)

Others' mileage will vary...

Curt
A Rose By Any Other Name Mess

[Soldier Jo]

Re: Impression, Portrayal or Depiction?

Jolene:
1) I have added your signature to your profile to help you remember to sign you name to your posts.
2) You will find a great number of folks here are quite skilled at first person and can serve as a resource for appropriate portrayals.
3) Remeber: we've got rules here. Please read through them.
John Wickett - Moderator

[BrianHicks]

Re: Impression, Portrayal or Depiction?

Not too unusual at some certain events. Maintaining the 1st person impression for each and every person without exception, for the entire duration of an event is almost an impossibility, I have enjoyed a few exceptional events that stand out for there levels of 1st person sustainment.

The 1864 Murder Trial was without a doubt (for me) one of the most enduring 1st Person events I have ever participated in.

W-64 was a great example of many outstanding First Person impressions.

The prisoners (and the federal Guards to a lesser degree) at the most recent I-600 did great job, especially considering the hardship conditions in which they (the prisoners) had to suffer.

[fedcampaigner]

Re: Impression, Portrayal or Depiction?

As the above posts reflect I think it is a personal preference. No matter what you call it, we all have a similar goal: to portray civil war soldiers as accuratley as we can. Each person will have his own unique way of going about this. Just my take on the issue...

[ElizabethClark]

Re: Impression, Portrayal or Depiction?

Hi, Jo--it's still not showing up. If you want some help, shoot me a private message.

Back on topic:

Just out of curiosity, has anyone ever tried first person? I have heard its really hard to try and stay with it for a long period of time.

I have seen a few reenactors do it (before I started reenacting) and it was a bit confusing when they spoke to me or when they said something like "what do you mean you use a c-a-r?" ;)

If someone denied knowledge of a car, they're not very well versed in mid-century transportation. Any mid-century American should know that cars are what you ride in... on a train. Unfortunately, it sounds as though you ran into some folks who weren't terribly skilled at first person with spectator interaction. It's a slightly different skill set than first person with other first person people.

If you're surrounded by others who are also trying to stay in and react in character for the duration of the event, it's Tremendously Easier to do so yourself. Conversely, there is nothing harder to maintain than first person surrounded by those who aren't attempting it.

At the sorts of events and scenarios promoted here, you can expect a mix of first, second, and third-person interactions with other participants and spectators, depending on the guidelines for the particular event. If you've not yet read it, ask you local librarian about "Past Into Present" by Stacy Roth. It's very helpful in determining which interpretive strategies can be most effective in certain settings.

As to the poll...

"Impression" connotes a sort of washed situation--little bits and pieces that give the impression of historicity.

"Portrayal" feels a bit more solid, as if very specific bits were pulled together to focus a particular set of attitudes and reactions.

"Depiction" connotes something that is quite true to type--details chosen for their highly specific relation to a particular time, place, person, and setting.

Any or all could be appropriately used for highly-accurate, well-researched scenarios, settings, and characters.

[natchezborn]

Re: Impression, Portrayal or Depiction?

Like you said....semantics.

Call it what you will, as long is it is as accurate as can be.

[Soldier Jo]

Re: Impression, Portrayal or Depiction?

Okay, I have my automatic signature figured out ;)

Thanks.