In order to help students in oral interpretation or English classes comprehend the literature they read, this document outlines a question-answer-rehearse procedure which resolves the paradox of understanding before they perform a text. The twenty questions, formulated to provide a solid foundation for later explication and deeper study, are stated briefly for teacher overview. In the section written to students, the questions are restated in complete form with suggested explanations for each question. The document concludes with a glossary of literary terms and an analysis of a poem by Emily Dickinson using these twenty questions. (JM)