This paper explores the occurence and functions of different interjection types in literary readings of Winnie-the-Pooh and Ulysses and in the artistic performance of 'The third man'. The majority of the interjections are found to be initializing. Interjections' functions are in general discussed in terms of Goffman's animators and principals, in orality and literacy terms, and in terms of a speaker's emotional stance and viewpoint at the very time of his utterance.