Music Analysis
English 1301- Music Analysis Essay
Ch. 13, "Responding to Literature"
"Using Strategies for Literary Analysis": "its purpose is to illuminate the meaning of the work, to help you and others understand it better." ANALYZE * INTERPRET * EVALUATE what you read. Paragraphs 1-4 will analyze and interpret; paragraph 5 will interpret and evaluate-- explain the VALUE of the interpretation and analysis.
Steps:
1. Read the work CLOSELY
2. Reread the work.
3. Mark key points in the text to comprehend its meaning.
4. Identify possible evidence to back up your claims as you analyze and evaluate.
Reading Checklist page 257:
Comprehend
1. What is the literal meaning?
2. What are the facts of the situation (plot, setting, characters)?
3. What does the vocabulary mean?
Analyze
4. Elements: Character, language, style, symbol, THEME.
5. What does it mean? What does it IMPLY?
6. What does it suggest about the human condition? How does it expand your understanding? What insights can you apply to your own life or to society as a whole?
Evaluate
7. How do you assess the work's soundness and plausibility?
8. Are the words and tone appropriate for the purpose and audience?
9. Does the author achieve his or her purpose and why is it worthwhile?
More information on analysis can be found on page 448 of your textbook.
Calendar:
F 04: Part 3: Literary Analysis: Bring a song that has meaning
M 07: Analysis Sample Essay W 09: Analysis Planning/Drafting
F 11: Analysis Rough Draft for editing
M 14: Analysis Essays Due; Midterm Overview
R 03: C/C Final Drafts Due; Literary Analysis—Bring a song that has meaning
T 08: Analysis Sample Essay/Planning & Drafting
R 10: Analysis Draft for Editing
T 15: Analysis Essays Due; Midterm Overview
Directions: Write a 5 paragraph, 2 FULL pages, essay in MLA format that analyzes the lyrics to a song (you must choose one of the songs listed below). Include a header, a unique title, and a bibliography that cites ONLY the song itself; you are NOT using any outside sources for this essay.
A citation that is not in MLA format will result in a deduction in your grade. YOU must find out who wrote the song, on which album the song was first released, and all other citation information. You will also need to number the lines of the song in order for internal citation information to make sense. Again, you are looking for the “theme” of the song lyrics.
Song titles are written in " ", and album titles are italicized: Marilyn Manson's song "The Beautiful People" is from his album Antichrist Superstar.
General FORMULA
Introduction: Lead-In that introduces the "subject" of the song but doesn't refer to the song specifically. This may be more than one sentence. You then give a one sentence introduction of the song that provides the "gist" of the surface meaning. Next, you transition to the notion that there's more to the song. Your thesis statement contains the name of the song, the artist, and presents a synopsis of the overall analysis of the song, which you will then develop in the following paragraphs.
Body 1: Literal/Surface Meaning: Here you discuss exactly what the song is describing, or the “facts” of the song, like who is narrating, what is the subject, describe the situation being presented, etc. Do NOT go into any interpretation in this paragraph. Use quotes (at least 3). Include at least 3 correctly cited SHORT quotes-- the quotes must not be "interpreted"-- you are just stating the "surface" or "obvious" subject of the song.
Body 2: Symbolic/Underlying Meaning: Here you discuss the interpretive meaning of the song. You use quotes (at least 3) to show that there is another layer of meaning underneath the “facts” of what is being stated. This may be conveyed through the “symbolism” or specific “imagery”.
Present a specific aspect of the lyrics that helps to determine the symbolic/underlying meaning. Your next paragraph would do the same but with a different aspect (think of your literary terminology-- perspective, imagery, symbolism, alliteration, rhyme, tone/mood, etc...). Then, your conclusion would link it all into a solid interpretation-- defining the message of the song.
** Some songs have a DUAL meaning (in other words, there is the surface story, then there is a symbolic "under story". Other songs tell a story but use deep symbolism, metaphor, etc. to tell that story. Either way, par. 2 is going to cover the basic, general "plot", and par. 3 and 4 are going to reveal the deeper meaning and the techniques the artist uses to reveal the dual/underlying meaning or the techniques he/she uses in order to reveal the depths of the meaning).
Body 3: This paragraph ties in a specific aspect of the lyrics that is integral in formulating its underlying meaning. Use your literary vocabulary. Examples may be a use of irony, motif, repetition, a shift in tone/mood, etc. What you will choose to discuss is specific to each song. Make sure you have at least 3 quotes to prove your analysis, and make sure to CONNECT your analysis to the underlying meaning.
Conclusion: This paragraph states the poem’s overall message and its social commentary-- its relevance. This basically takes the message and shows how it can be applied to society today. It also should reveal the VALUE of the song as a piece of art.
All paragraphs must be a minimum of 5 sentences in length, and body paragraphs must contain a minimum of 3 short quotes. Do NOT miss the connection part of the paragraph; it isn’t good enough to simply state an idea or example. You must also clearly explain how that idea or example “proves” your thesis (or contributes to an understanding of the theme of the song lyrics).e format to cite a song as we do to cite a poem.
Here's a way of organizing your body paragraphs: Topic. Introduce quote (proof), state quote, cite, and explain. Then move onto another quote (example). Make sure you have 3 per body paragraph.
This is NOT a line by line song analysis; you should examine the overall “theme” of the song lyrics.
General Format Ideas to Contemplate:
Introduction should include: General information about the song and general thematic content. You may want to include a “lead-in” that discusses the “topic” at issue in the song and then bridge that to the specific subject at hand.
THINK: What message do the song lyrics send? What ideas are conveyed by the imagery? What about the song’s content makes it a valuable piece of art?
KEY WORD: TENSION-- you must find the "tension" in the song. The message is derived from the source of tension in the story.
Do not look up interpretations of these lyrics! I HAVE, and I WILL KNOW IF YOU DID TOO. Derive your OWN meaning from the lyrics.
The name of the song and artist must be mentioned in the first paragraph, but this information should not stand alone as a sentence in and of itself. Song titles are in “quotes”; album titles are underlined or italicized. Cite lines of songs; you must have 2-4 short quotes per body paragraph—no long quotes in short papers! Quote only pieces of the song at a time. Never leave quotes hanging; only choose quotes that fit your topic, and explain HOW they do so.
Sample of punctuating internal citations:
NOTE: Updated MLA format says that after the first time you write line, i.e. (line 26), in subsequent citations, you can eliminate the word "line", i.e. (28-30).
The girls’ “eyes painted red” (line 26) serve as a reference to the state of being high. Other references to her eyes include, “I see seven towers / But I only see one way out / You got to cry without weeping” (lines 14-16), and “the storm blows up in her eyes” (line 32). Eyes become a metaphor for understanding in the song; one must get past the surface image of the disease before it clouds the vision to the point of causing a complete denial, or “blindness,” to this deadly addiction.
Notes: I want you to first and foremost think about the symbolic meaning of the lyrics that you read. To be impactful, an essay like this must present a tension.... this is what the song seems to be saying, but if one looks deeper, this other meaning is revealed. It is your job to both summarize that surface meaning and analyze that deeper one. When you discuss symbols, it is important to explain them as well... connect the meaning to its symbol.
You will have to rely on some of your literary elements when writing this essay. What guiding element does the songwriter use to deliver his message? Is it tone/mood? Symbolism? Imagery? Rhyme? Is there a dual meaning for some of the guiding images in the song? Remember, you are looking for a dual meaning for this song-- so maybe some of the elements hint at that duality? Tone/Mood, Symbolism, Irony, and Imagery can all contain polarities-- dual aspects. Discover those first, then you can better analyze what they mean. There are reference boxes below that give you the types of words to include when describing the literary elements.
Key Words:
TENSION
POLARIZATION
JUXTAPOSITION
HIDDEN MEANING
UNDERLYING MEANING
DUAL MEANING
Song Choices: [Note that these are copied and pasted; you can look up the lyrics online as well.]
* These particular songs have been chosen for their depth of content, which can be analyzed using the methods explained to you in class.
** Do NOT choose a song simply based on which genre of music you prefer! Choose a song in which you can find an interpretive meaning.
1. “When Doves Cry” by Prince (consider the symbolism in the song of cycles, and of darkness and light-- the irony here is that the "doves" are
"crying"... what is the symbolic layer of the story?)
Dig if you will the picture
Of you and I engaged in a kiss
The sweat of your body covers me
Can you my darling
Can you picture this?
Dream if you can a courtyard
An ocean of violets in bloom
Animals strike curious poses
They feel the heat
The heat between me and you
How can you just leave me standing?
Alone in a world that's so cold? (So cold)
Maybe I'm just too demanding
Maybe I'm just like my father too bold
Maybe you're just like my mother
She's never satisfied (She's never satisfied)
Why do we scream at each other?
This is what it sounds like
When doves cry
Touch if you will my stomach
Feel how it trembles inside
You've got the butterflies all tied up
Don't make me chase you
Even doves have pride
How can you just leave me standing?
Alone in a world so cold? (World so cold)
Maybe I'm just too demanding
Maybe I'm just like my father too bold
Maybe you're just like my mother
She's never satisfied (She's never satisfied)
Why do we scream at each other?
This is what it sounds like
When doves cry
How can you just leave me standing?
Alone in a world that's so cold? (A world that's so cold)
Maybe I'm just too demanding (Maybe, maybe I'm like my father)
Maybe I'm just like my father too bold (Ya know he's too bold)
Maybe you're just like my mother (Maybe you're just like my mother)
She's never satisfied (She's never, never satisfied)
Why do we scream at each other? (Why do we scream? Why?)
This is what it sounds like
When doves cry
When doves cry (Doves cry, doves cry)
When doves cry (Doves cry, doves cry)
Don't Cry (Don't Cry)
2. “Jeremy” by Pearl Jam (consider all the symbolism in the lyrics and how it reveals a very disturbing portrait of not only Jeremy, but of society as well)
At home
Drawing pictures
Of mountain tops
With him on top
Lemon yellow sun
Arms raised in a V
Dead lay in pools of maroon below
Daddy didn't give attention
To the fact that mommy didn't care
King Jeremy the wicked
Ruled his world
Jeremy spoke in class today
Jeremy spoke in class today
Clearly I remember
Pickin' on the boy
Seemed a harmless little fuck
But we unleashed a lion
Gnashed his teeth
And bit the recessed lady's breast
How could i forget
He hit me with a surprise left
My jaw left hurtin
Dropped wide open
Just like the day
Like the day i heard
Daddy didn't give affection
And the boy was something mommy wouldn't wear
King jeremy the wicked
Ruled his world
Jeremy spoke in class today
Jeremy spoke in class today
Try to forget this...
Try to erase this...
From the blackboard.
3. “Imagine” by John Lennon (consider the prospect of a Utopian world and what that would mean and why he uses the word "imagine")
Imagine there's no Heaven
It's easy if you try
No hell below us
Above us only sky
Imagine all the people
Living for today
Imagine there's no countries
It isn't hard to do
Nothing to kill or die for
And no religion too
Imagine all the people
Living life in peace
You may say that I'm a dreamer
But I'm not the only one
I hope someday you'll join us
And the world will be as one
Imagine no possessions
I wonder if you can
No need for greed or hunger
A brotherhood of man
Imagine all the people
Sharing all the world
You may say that I'm a dreamer
But I'm not the only one
I hope someday you'll join us
And the world will live as one
4. "Man That You Fear" by Marilyn Manson
the ants are in the sugar the muscles atrophied
we're on the other side, the screen is us and we're t.v.
spread me open,
sticking to my pointy ribs
are all your infants in abortion cribs
I was born into this
everything turns to shit
the boy that you loved is the man that you fear
pray until your number,
asleep from all your pain,
your apple has been rotting
tomorrow's turned up dead
I have it all and I have no choice but to
I'll make everyone pay and you will see
you can kill yourself now
because you're dead
in my mind
the boy that you loved is the monster you fear
peel off all those eyes and crawl into the dark,
you've poisoned all of your children to camouflage your scars
pray unto the splinters, pray unto your fear
pray your life was just a dream
the cut that never heals
pray now baby, pray your life was just a dream
(I am so tangled in my sins that I cannot escape)
pinch the head off, collapse me like a weed
someone had to go this far
I was born into this
everything turns to shit
the boy that you loved is the man that you fear
peel off all those eyes and crawl into the dark,
you've poisoned all of your children to camouflage your scars
pray unto the splinters, pray unto your fear
pray your life was just a dream
the cut that never heals
pray now baby, pray your life was just a dream
the world in my hands, there's no one left to hear you scream
there's no one left for you
Or "Posthuman" by Marilyn Manson (okay, anything by Marilyn Manson!)
She's got eyes like Zapruder
And a mouth like heroin
She wants me to be perfect like Kennedy
This isn't god, this isn't god
God is just a statistic
God is just a statistic
Say,
Show me the dead stars
All of them sing
This is a riot
Religious and clean
God is a number you cannot count to
You are posthuman and hardwired
She's pilgrim and pagan
Softworn and so-cial
In all of her dreams
She's a saint like Jackie-O
This isn't god, this isn't god
God is just a statistic
God is just a statistic
Say,
Show me the dead stars
All of them sing
This is a riot
Religious and clean
Coma white:
"All that glitters is cold, all that glitters is cold."
5. "Bullets with Butterfly Wings" by The Smashing Pumpkins
The world is a vampire, sent to drain
Secret destroyers, hold you up to the flames
And what do I get, for my pain?
Betrayed desires, and a piece of the game
Even though I know -- I suppose I'll show
All my cool and cold-like old job
Despite all my rage, I am still just a rat in a cage
Then someone will say what is lost can never be saved
Despite all my rage, I am still just a rat in a cage
Now I'm naked, nothing but an animal
But can you fake it, for just one more show
And what do you want, I want to change
And what have you got
When you feel the same
Even though I know--I suppose I'll show
All my cool and cold--like old job
Despite all my rage, I am still just a rat in a cage
Then someone will say what is lost can never be saved
Despite all my rage, I am still just a rat in a cage
Tell me I'm the only one
Tell me there's no other one
Jesus was an only son
Tell me I'm the chosen one
Jesus was an only son for you
Despite all my rage, I am still just a rat in a cage
And I still believe that I cannot be saved
6. "Paint it Black" by The Rolling Stones (consider the symbolism of red vs. black, of life and of death)
I see a red door and I want it painted black
No colors anymore I want them to turn black
I see the girls walk by dressed in their summer clothes
I have to turn my head until my darkness goes
I see a line of cars and they're all painted black
With flowers and my love, both never to come back
I see people turn their heads and quickly look away
Like a newborn baby it just happens ev'ryday
No more will my green sea go turn a deeper blue
I could not forsee this thing happening to you
If I look hard enough into the setting sun
My love will laugh with me before the morning comes
[ Lyrics from: http://www.lyricsfreak.com/r/rolling+stones/paint+it+black_20117875.html ]
I look inside myself and see my heart is black
I see my red door and it has been painted black
Maybe then I'll fade away and not have to face the facts
It's not easy facing up when your whole world is black
I see a red door and I want it painted black
No colors anymore I want them to turn black
I see the girls walk by dressed in their summer clothes
I have to turn my head until my darkness goes
Hmm, hmm, hmm...
I wanna see it painted black, painted black
Black as night, black as coal
I wanna see the sun, blotted out from the sky
I wanna see it painted, painted, painted, painted black
7. "Butterfly" by Weezer (wonderful dual meaning... you might look up "Madame Butterfly" OR consider it a commentary on childhood)
Yesterday I went outside
With my mama's mason jar,
Caught a lovely butterfly
When I woke up today
Looked in on my fairy pet
She had withered all away
No more sighing in her breast
I'm sorry for what I did
I did what my body told me to
I didn't mean to do you harm
Everytime I pin down what I think I want it slips away
The ghost slips away
Smell you on my hands for days
I can't wash away your scent
If I'm a dog then you're a bitch
I guess you're as real as me
Maybe I can live with that
Maybe I need fantasy
Life of chasing butterfly
I'm sorry for what I did
I did what my body told me to
I didn't mean to do you harm
Everytime I pin down what I think I want it slips away
The goal slips away
I told you I would return
When the robin makes his nest
But I ain't never coming back
I'm sorry
I'm sorry
I'm sorry
8. "The Scientist" by Coldplay
Come up to meet you
Tell you I'm sorry
You don't know how lovely you are
I had to find you
Tell you I need you
Tell you I set you apart
Tell me your secrets
And ask me your questions
Oh let's go back to the start
Running in circles; coming up tails
Heads on a silence apart
Nobody said it was easy
It's such a shame for us to part
Nobody said it was easy
No one ever said it would be this hard
Oh take me back to the start
I was just guessing at numbers and figures
Pulling your puzzles apart
Questions of science; science and progress
Do not speak as loud as my heart
Tell me you love me
Come back and haunt me
Oh and I rush to the start
Running in circles, chasing our tails
Coming back as we are
Nobody said it was easy
Oh it's such a shame for us to part
Nobody said it was easy
No one ever said it would be so hard
I'm going back to the start
Oh ooh ooh ooh ooh ooh
X4
9. "Last Dance with Mary Jane" by Tom Petty
She grew up in a Indiana town
Had a good lookin' mama who never was around
But she grew up tall and she grew up right
With them Indiana boys on an Indiana night
Well, she moved down here at the age of 18
She blew the boys away, was more than they'd seen
I was introduced and we both started groovin'
She said: "I dig you, baby
But I got to keep movin' on
Keep movin' on,"
Last dance with Mary Jane
One more time to kill the pain
I feel summer creepin' in
And I'm tired of this town again
Well, I don't know but I've been told
You never slow down, you never grow old
I'm tired of screwin' up, tired of goin' down
Tired of myself, tired of this town
Oh my my
Oh hell yes
Honey, put on that party dress.
Buy me a drink, sing me a song
Take me as I come
'Cause I can't stay long
Last dance with Mary Jane
One more time to kill the pain
I feel summer creepin' in
And I'm tired of this town again
There's pigeons down on Market Square
She's standing in her underwear
Lookin' down from a hotel room
The nightfall will be coming soon
Oh my my
Oh hell yes
You got to put on that party dress
It was too cold to cry, when I woke up alone
I hit my last number
I walked to the road
Last dance with Mary Jane
One more time to kill the pain
I feel summer creepin' in
And I'm tired of this town again
10. "Why" by Rascal Flatts
You must have been in a
Place so dark
You couldn't feel the light
Reachin' for you through
That stormy cloud
Now here we are
Gathered in our little hometown
This can't be the way
You meant to draw a crowd
[Chorus]
Oh why, that's what I keep asking
Was there anything I could've
Said or done
Oh, I had no clue you were
Masking
A troubled soul, God only knows
What went wrong and why
You would leave the stage
In the middle of a song
Now in my mind I'll keep you frozen
As a seventeen-year-old
Rounding third to score the
Winning run
You always played with passion
No matter what the game
When you took the stage
You'd shine just like the sun
[Chorus]
Oh why, that's what I keep asking
Was there anything I could've
Said or done
Oh, I had no clue you were
Masking
A troubled soul, God only knows
What went wrong and why
You would leave the stage
In the middle of a song
Now the oak trees are swaying
In the early autumn breeze
A golden sun is shining on my face
Through tangled thoughts
I hear a mockingbird sing
This old world really ain't that
Bad of a place
Oh why, there's no comprehending
And who am I to try to
Judge or explain
Oh, but I do have one
Burning question
Who told you life wasn't
Worth the fight
They were wrong, they lied
Now you're gone and we cry
'Cause it's not like you to
Walk away
In the middle of a song
Your beautiful song
Your absolutely beautiful song
11. "Under The Bridge" by Red Hot Chili Peppers
Sometimes I feel
Like I don't have a partner
Sometimes I feel
Like my only friend
Is the city I live in
The city of angels
Lonely as I am
Together we cry
I drive on her streets
'Cause she's my companion
I walk through her hills
'Cause she knows who I am
She sees my good deeds
And she kisses me windy
I never worry
Now that is a lie
I don't ever want to feel
Like I did that day
Take me to the place I love
Take me all the way
It's hard to believe
That there's nobody out there
It's hard to believe
That I'm all alone
At least I have her love
The city she loves me
Lonely as I am
Together we cry
I don't ever want to feel
Like I did that day
Take me to the place I love
Take me all that way
Under the bridge downtown
Is where I drew some blood
Under the bridge downtown
I could not get enough
Under the bridge downtown
Forgot about my love
Under the bridge downtown
I gave my life away
12. "Funhouse" by Pink
I dance around this empty house
Tear us down
Throw you out
Screaming down the halls
Spinning all around and now we fall
Pictures framing up the past
Your taunting smirk behind the glass
This museum full of ash
Once a tickle
Now a rash
This used to be a funhouse
But now it's full of evil clowns
It's time to start the countdown
I'm gonna burn it down down down
I'm gonna burn it down
9, 8, 7, 6 5 4, 3, 2, 1, fun
Echoes knocking on locked doors
All the laughter from before
I'd rather live out on the street
Than in this haunted memory
I've called the movers
Called the maids
We'll try to exorcise this place
Drag my mattress to the yard
Crumble tumble house of cards
This used to be a funhouse
But now it's full of evil clowns
It's time to start the countdown
I'm gonna burn it down down down
I'm gonna burn it down
This used to be a funhouse
But now it's full of evil clowns
It's time to start the countdown
I'm gonna burn it down down down
I'm gonna burn it down
9, 8, 7, 6 5 4, 3, 2, 1, fun
Oh, I'm crawling through the doggy door
My key don't fit my lock no more
I'll change the drapes
I'll break the plates
I'll find a new place
Burn this fucker down
do do do do dodo do....
This used to be a funhouse
But now it's full of evil clowns
It's time to start the countdown
I'm gonna burn it down down down
I'm gonna burn it down
This used to be a funhouse
But now it's full of evil clowns
It's time to start the countdown
I'm gonna burn it down down down
I'm gonna burn it down
Fill this out for your song choice:
** Your essay must contain a Work Cited Page that cites the song in MLA format.\
Pre-Writing Worksheet! [First answer the Discovery Checklist on page 272 in your textbook.]
Title of Song: ___________________________ Artist:_________________________________
TONE/MOOD of song (descriptive adjectives): ___________________________________________________________
Plot (Summarize in 3 Steps): 1._______________________________________________________________________
2._______________________________________________________________________
3.________________________________________________________________________
Symbols: ______________________ is symbolic of ___________________________________ because _____________________________________
______________________ is symbolic of ___________________________________ because _____________________________________
______________________ is symbolic of ___________________________________ because _____________________________________
______________________ is symbolic of ___________________________________ because _____________________________________
What is ironic about the song? _________________________________________________________________________________________
What is the TENSION in the song, the 2 ideas, symbols, meanings, etc. that are pulling against each other?
______________________________________________ and _________________________________________________
What is the THEME, MESSAGE, or SOCIAL COMMENTARY of the song-- the overall "lesson" that can be "learned" from the "story" presented in these lyrics? Summarize this succinctly, and make sure you are presenting this as a complete idea, not just one word or a short phrase:
_____________________________________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Ch. 13, "Responding to Literature"
"Using Strategies for Literary Analysis": "its purpose is to illuminate the meaning of the work, to help you and others understand it better." ANALYZE * INTERPRET * EVALUATE what you read. Paragraphs 1-4 will analyze and interpret; paragraph 5 will interpret and evaluate-- explain the VALUE of the interpretation and analysis.
Steps:
1. Read the work CLOSELY
2. Reread the work.
3. Mark key points in the text to comprehend its meaning.
4. Identify possible evidence to back up your claims as you analyze and evaluate.
Reading Checklist page 257:
Comprehend
1. What is the literal meaning?
2. What are the facts of the situation (plot, setting, characters)?
3. What does the vocabulary mean?
Analyze
4. Elements: Character, language, style, symbol, THEME.
5. What does it mean? What does it IMPLY?
6. What does it suggest about the human condition? How does it expand your understanding? What insights can you apply to your own life or to society as a whole?
Evaluate
7. How do you assess the work's soundness and plausibility?
8. Are the words and tone appropriate for the purpose and audience?
9. Does the author achieve his or her purpose and why is it worthwhile?
More information on analysis can be found on page 448 of your textbook.
Calendar:
F 04: Part 3: Literary Analysis: Bring a song that has meaning
M 07: Analysis Sample Essay W 09: Analysis Planning/Drafting
F 11: Analysis Rough Draft for editing
M 14: Analysis Essays Due; Midterm Overview
R 03: C/C Final Drafts Due; Literary Analysis—Bring a song that has meaning
T 08: Analysis Sample Essay/Planning & Drafting
R 10: Analysis Draft for Editing
T 15: Analysis Essays Due; Midterm Overview
Directions: Write a 5 paragraph, 2 FULL pages, essay in MLA format that analyzes the lyrics to a song (you must choose one of the songs listed below). Include a header, a unique title, and a bibliography that cites ONLY the song itself; you are NOT using any outside sources for this essay.
A citation that is not in MLA format will result in a deduction in your grade. YOU must find out who wrote the song, on which album the song was first released, and all other citation information. You will also need to number the lines of the song in order for internal citation information to make sense. Again, you are looking for the “theme” of the song lyrics.
Song titles are written in " ", and album titles are italicized: Marilyn Manson's song "The Beautiful People" is from his album Antichrist Superstar.
General FORMULA
Introduction: Lead-In that introduces the "subject" of the song but doesn't refer to the song specifically. This may be more than one sentence. You then give a one sentence introduction of the song that provides the "gist" of the surface meaning. Next, you transition to the notion that there's more to the song. Your thesis statement contains the name of the song, the artist, and presents a synopsis of the overall analysis of the song, which you will then develop in the following paragraphs.
Body 1: Literal/Surface Meaning: Here you discuss exactly what the song is describing, or the “facts” of the song, like who is narrating, what is the subject, describe the situation being presented, etc. Do NOT go into any interpretation in this paragraph. Use quotes (at least 3). Include at least 3 correctly cited SHORT quotes-- the quotes must not be "interpreted"-- you are just stating the "surface" or "obvious" subject of the song.
Body 2: Symbolic/Underlying Meaning: Here you discuss the interpretive meaning of the song. You use quotes (at least 3) to show that there is another layer of meaning underneath the “facts” of what is being stated. This may be conveyed through the “symbolism” or specific “imagery”.
Present a specific aspect of the lyrics that helps to determine the symbolic/underlying meaning. Your next paragraph would do the same but with a different aspect (think of your literary terminology-- perspective, imagery, symbolism, alliteration, rhyme, tone/mood, etc...). Then, your conclusion would link it all into a solid interpretation-- defining the message of the song.
** Some songs have a DUAL meaning (in other words, there is the surface story, then there is a symbolic "under story". Other songs tell a story but use deep symbolism, metaphor, etc. to tell that story. Either way, par. 2 is going to cover the basic, general "plot", and par. 3 and 4 are going to reveal the deeper meaning and the techniques the artist uses to reveal the dual/underlying meaning or the techniques he/she uses in order to reveal the depths of the meaning).
Body 3: This paragraph ties in a specific aspect of the lyrics that is integral in formulating its underlying meaning. Use your literary vocabulary. Examples may be a use of irony, motif, repetition, a shift in tone/mood, etc. What you will choose to discuss is specific to each song. Make sure you have at least 3 quotes to prove your analysis, and make sure to CONNECT your analysis to the underlying meaning.
Conclusion: This paragraph states the poem’s overall message and its social commentary-- its relevance. This basically takes the message and shows how it can be applied to society today. It also should reveal the VALUE of the song as a piece of art.
All paragraphs must be a minimum of 5 sentences in length, and body paragraphs must contain a minimum of 3 short quotes. Do NOT miss the connection part of the paragraph; it isn’t good enough to simply state an idea or example. You must also clearly explain how that idea or example “proves” your thesis (or contributes to an understanding of the theme of the song lyrics).e format to cite a song as we do to cite a poem.
Here's a way of organizing your body paragraphs: Topic. Introduce quote (proof), state quote, cite, and explain. Then move onto another quote (example). Make sure you have 3 per body paragraph.
This is NOT a line by line song analysis; you should examine the overall “theme” of the song lyrics.
General Format Ideas to Contemplate:
Introduction should include: General information about the song and general thematic content. You may want to include a “lead-in” that discusses the “topic” at issue in the song and then bridge that to the specific subject at hand.
THINK: What message do the song lyrics send? What ideas are conveyed by the imagery? What about the song’s content makes it a valuable piece of art?
KEY WORD: TENSION-- you must find the "tension" in the song. The message is derived from the source of tension in the story.
Do not look up interpretations of these lyrics! I HAVE, and I WILL KNOW IF YOU DID TOO. Derive your OWN meaning from the lyrics.
The name of the song and artist must be mentioned in the first paragraph, but this information should not stand alone as a sentence in and of itself. Song titles are in “quotes”; album titles are underlined or italicized. Cite lines of songs; you must have 2-4 short quotes per body paragraph—no long quotes in short papers! Quote only pieces of the song at a time. Never leave quotes hanging; only choose quotes that fit your topic, and explain HOW they do so.
Sample of punctuating internal citations:
NOTE: Updated MLA format says that after the first time you write line, i.e. (line 26), in subsequent citations, you can eliminate the word "line", i.e. (28-30).
The girls’ “eyes painted red” (line 26) serve as a reference to the state of being high. Other references to her eyes include, “I see seven towers / But I only see one way out / You got to cry without weeping” (lines 14-16), and “the storm blows up in her eyes” (line 32). Eyes become a metaphor for understanding in the song; one must get past the surface image of the disease before it clouds the vision to the point of causing a complete denial, or “blindness,” to this deadly addiction.
Notes: I want you to first and foremost think about the symbolic meaning of the lyrics that you read. To be impactful, an essay like this must present a tension.... this is what the song seems to be saying, but if one looks deeper, this other meaning is revealed. It is your job to both summarize that surface meaning and analyze that deeper one. When you discuss symbols, it is important to explain them as well... connect the meaning to its symbol.
You will have to rely on some of your literary elements when writing this essay. What guiding element does the songwriter use to deliver his message? Is it tone/mood? Symbolism? Imagery? Rhyme? Is there a dual meaning for some of the guiding images in the song? Remember, you are looking for a dual meaning for this song-- so maybe some of the elements hint at that duality? Tone/Mood, Symbolism, Irony, and Imagery can all contain polarities-- dual aspects. Discover those first, then you can better analyze what they mean. There are reference boxes below that give you the types of words to include when describing the literary elements.
Key Words:
TENSION
POLARIZATION
JUXTAPOSITION
HIDDEN MEANING
UNDERLYING MEANING
DUAL MEANING
Song Choices: [Note that these are copied and pasted; you can look up the lyrics online as well.]
* These particular songs have been chosen for their depth of content, which can be analyzed using the methods explained to you in class.
** Do NOT choose a song simply based on which genre of music you prefer! Choose a song in which you can find an interpretive meaning.
1. “When Doves Cry” by Prince (consider the symbolism in the song of cycles, and of darkness and light-- the irony here is that the "doves" are
"crying"... what is the symbolic layer of the story?)
Dig if you will the picture
Of you and I engaged in a kiss
The sweat of your body covers me
Can you my darling
Can you picture this?
Dream if you can a courtyard
An ocean of violets in bloom
Animals strike curious poses
They feel the heat
The heat between me and you
How can you just leave me standing?
Alone in a world that's so cold? (So cold)
Maybe I'm just too demanding
Maybe I'm just like my father too bold
Maybe you're just like my mother
She's never satisfied (She's never satisfied)
Why do we scream at each other?
This is what it sounds like
When doves cry
Touch if you will my stomach
Feel how it trembles inside
You've got the butterflies all tied up
Don't make me chase you
Even doves have pride
How can you just leave me standing?
Alone in a world so cold? (World so cold)
Maybe I'm just too demanding
Maybe I'm just like my father too bold
Maybe you're just like my mother
She's never satisfied (She's never satisfied)
Why do we scream at each other?
This is what it sounds like
When doves cry
How can you just leave me standing?
Alone in a world that's so cold? (A world that's so cold)
Maybe I'm just too demanding (Maybe, maybe I'm like my father)
Maybe I'm just like my father too bold (Ya know he's too bold)
Maybe you're just like my mother (Maybe you're just like my mother)
She's never satisfied (She's never, never satisfied)
Why do we scream at each other? (Why do we scream? Why?)
This is what it sounds like
When doves cry
When doves cry (Doves cry, doves cry)
When doves cry (Doves cry, doves cry)
Don't Cry (Don't Cry)
2. “Jeremy” by Pearl Jam (consider all the symbolism in the lyrics and how it reveals a very disturbing portrait of not only Jeremy, but of society as well)
At home
Drawing pictures
Of mountain tops
With him on top
Lemon yellow sun
Arms raised in a V
Dead lay in pools of maroon below
Daddy didn't give attention
To the fact that mommy didn't care
King Jeremy the wicked
Ruled his world
Jeremy spoke in class today
Jeremy spoke in class today
Clearly I remember
Pickin' on the boy
Seemed a harmless little fuck
But we unleashed a lion
Gnashed his teeth
And bit the recessed lady's breast
How could i forget
He hit me with a surprise left
My jaw left hurtin
Dropped wide open
Just like the day
Like the day i heard
Daddy didn't give affection
And the boy was something mommy wouldn't wear
King jeremy the wicked
Ruled his world
Jeremy spoke in class today
Jeremy spoke in class today
Try to forget this...
Try to erase this...
From the blackboard.
3. “Imagine” by John Lennon (consider the prospect of a Utopian world and what that would mean and why he uses the word "imagine")
Imagine there's no Heaven
It's easy if you try
No hell below us
Above us only sky
Imagine all the people
Living for today
Imagine there's no countries
It isn't hard to do
Nothing to kill or die for
And no religion too
Imagine all the people
Living life in peace
You may say that I'm a dreamer
But I'm not the only one
I hope someday you'll join us
And the world will be as one
Imagine no possessions
I wonder if you can
No need for greed or hunger
A brotherhood of man
Imagine all the people
Sharing all the world
You may say that I'm a dreamer
But I'm not the only one
I hope someday you'll join us
And the world will live as one
4. "Man That You Fear" by Marilyn Manson
the ants are in the sugar the muscles atrophied
we're on the other side, the screen is us and we're t.v.
spread me open,
sticking to my pointy ribs
are all your infants in abortion cribs
I was born into this
everything turns to shit
the boy that you loved is the man that you fear
pray until your number,
asleep from all your pain,
your apple has been rotting
tomorrow's turned up dead
I have it all and I have no choice but to
I'll make everyone pay and you will see
you can kill yourself now
because you're dead
in my mind
the boy that you loved is the monster you fear
peel off all those eyes and crawl into the dark,
you've poisoned all of your children to camouflage your scars
pray unto the splinters, pray unto your fear
pray your life was just a dream
the cut that never heals
pray now baby, pray your life was just a dream
(I am so tangled in my sins that I cannot escape)
pinch the head off, collapse me like a weed
someone had to go this far
I was born into this
everything turns to shit
the boy that you loved is the man that you fear
peel off all those eyes and crawl into the dark,
you've poisoned all of your children to camouflage your scars
pray unto the splinters, pray unto your fear
pray your life was just a dream
the cut that never heals
pray now baby, pray your life was just a dream
the world in my hands, there's no one left to hear you scream
there's no one left for you
Or "Posthuman" by Marilyn Manson (okay, anything by Marilyn Manson!)
She's got eyes like Zapruder
And a mouth like heroin
She wants me to be perfect like Kennedy
This isn't god, this isn't god
God is just a statistic
God is just a statistic
Say,
Show me the dead stars
All of them sing
This is a riot
Religious and clean
God is a number you cannot count to
You are posthuman and hardwired
She's pilgrim and pagan
Softworn and so-cial
In all of her dreams
She's a saint like Jackie-O
This isn't god, this isn't god
God is just a statistic
God is just a statistic
Say,
Show me the dead stars
All of them sing
This is a riot
Religious and clean
Coma white:
"All that glitters is cold, all that glitters is cold."
5. "Bullets with Butterfly Wings" by The Smashing Pumpkins
The world is a vampire, sent to drain
Secret destroyers, hold you up to the flames
And what do I get, for my pain?
Betrayed desires, and a piece of the game
Even though I know -- I suppose I'll show
All my cool and cold-like old job
Despite all my rage, I am still just a rat in a cage
Then someone will say what is lost can never be saved
Despite all my rage, I am still just a rat in a cage
Now I'm naked, nothing but an animal
But can you fake it, for just one more show
And what do you want, I want to change
And what have you got
When you feel the same
Even though I know--I suppose I'll show
All my cool and cold--like old job
Despite all my rage, I am still just a rat in a cage
Then someone will say what is lost can never be saved
Despite all my rage, I am still just a rat in a cage
Tell me I'm the only one
Tell me there's no other one
Jesus was an only son
Tell me I'm the chosen one
Jesus was an only son for you
Despite all my rage, I am still just a rat in a cage
And I still believe that I cannot be saved
6. "Paint it Black" by The Rolling Stones (consider the symbolism of red vs. black, of life and of death)
I see a red door and I want it painted black
No colors anymore I want them to turn black
I see the girls walk by dressed in their summer clothes
I have to turn my head until my darkness goes
I see a line of cars and they're all painted black
With flowers and my love, both never to come back
I see people turn their heads and quickly look away
Like a newborn baby it just happens ev'ryday
No more will my green sea go turn a deeper blue
I could not forsee this thing happening to you
If I look hard enough into the setting sun
My love will laugh with me before the morning comes
[ Lyrics from: http://www.lyricsfreak.com/r/rolling+stones/paint+it+black_20117875.html ]
I look inside myself and see my heart is black
I see my red door and it has been painted black
Maybe then I'll fade away and not have to face the facts
It's not easy facing up when your whole world is black
I see a red door and I want it painted black
No colors anymore I want them to turn black
I see the girls walk by dressed in their summer clothes
I have to turn my head until my darkness goes
Hmm, hmm, hmm...
I wanna see it painted black, painted black
Black as night, black as coal
I wanna see the sun, blotted out from the sky
I wanna see it painted, painted, painted, painted black
7. "Butterfly" by Weezer (wonderful dual meaning... you might look up "Madame Butterfly" OR consider it a commentary on childhood)
Yesterday I went outside
With my mama's mason jar,
Caught a lovely butterfly
When I woke up today
Looked in on my fairy pet
She had withered all away
No more sighing in her breast
I'm sorry for what I did
I did what my body told me to
I didn't mean to do you harm
Everytime I pin down what I think I want it slips away
The ghost slips away
Smell you on my hands for days
I can't wash away your scent
If I'm a dog then you're a bitch
I guess you're as real as me
Maybe I can live with that
Maybe I need fantasy
Life of chasing butterfly
I'm sorry for what I did
I did what my body told me to
I didn't mean to do you harm
Everytime I pin down what I think I want it slips away
The goal slips away
I told you I would return
When the robin makes his nest
But I ain't never coming back
I'm sorry
I'm sorry
I'm sorry
8. "The Scientist" by Coldplay
Come up to meet you
Tell you I'm sorry
You don't know how lovely you are
I had to find you
Tell you I need you
Tell you I set you apart
Tell me your secrets
And ask me your questions
Oh let's go back to the start
Running in circles; coming up tails
Heads on a silence apart
Nobody said it was easy
It's such a shame for us to part
Nobody said it was easy
No one ever said it would be this hard
Oh take me back to the start
I was just guessing at numbers and figures
Pulling your puzzles apart
Questions of science; science and progress
Do not speak as loud as my heart
Tell me you love me
Come back and haunt me
Oh and I rush to the start
Running in circles, chasing our tails
Coming back as we are
Nobody said it was easy
Oh it's such a shame for us to part
Nobody said it was easy
No one ever said it would be so hard
I'm going back to the start
Oh ooh ooh ooh ooh ooh
X4
9. "Last Dance with Mary Jane" by Tom Petty
She grew up in a Indiana town
Had a good lookin' mama who never was around
But she grew up tall and she grew up right
With them Indiana boys on an Indiana night
Well, she moved down here at the age of 18
She blew the boys away, was more than they'd seen
I was introduced and we both started groovin'
She said: "I dig you, baby
But I got to keep movin' on
Keep movin' on,"
Last dance with Mary Jane
One more time to kill the pain
I feel summer creepin' in
And I'm tired of this town again
Well, I don't know but I've been told
You never slow down, you never grow old
I'm tired of screwin' up, tired of goin' down
Tired of myself, tired of this town
Oh my my
Oh hell yes
Honey, put on that party dress.
Buy me a drink, sing me a song
Take me as I come
'Cause I can't stay long
Last dance with Mary Jane
One more time to kill the pain
I feel summer creepin' in
And I'm tired of this town again
There's pigeons down on Market Square
She's standing in her underwear
Lookin' down from a hotel room
The nightfall will be coming soon
Oh my my
Oh hell yes
You got to put on that party dress
It was too cold to cry, when I woke up alone
I hit my last number
I walked to the road
Last dance with Mary Jane
One more time to kill the pain
I feel summer creepin' in
And I'm tired of this town again
10. "Why" by Rascal Flatts
You must have been in a
Place so dark
You couldn't feel the light
Reachin' for you through
That stormy cloud
Now here we are
Gathered in our little hometown
This can't be the way
You meant to draw a crowd
[Chorus]
Oh why, that's what I keep asking
Was there anything I could've
Said or done
Oh, I had no clue you were
Masking
A troubled soul, God only knows
What went wrong and why
You would leave the stage
In the middle of a song
Now in my mind I'll keep you frozen
As a seventeen-year-old
Rounding third to score the
Winning run
You always played with passion
No matter what the game
When you took the stage
You'd shine just like the sun
[Chorus]
Oh why, that's what I keep asking
Was there anything I could've
Said or done
Oh, I had no clue you were
Masking
A troubled soul, God only knows
What went wrong and why
You would leave the stage
In the middle of a song
Now the oak trees are swaying
In the early autumn breeze
A golden sun is shining on my face
Through tangled thoughts
I hear a mockingbird sing
This old world really ain't that
Bad of a place
Oh why, there's no comprehending
And who am I to try to
Judge or explain
Oh, but I do have one
Burning question
Who told you life wasn't
Worth the fight
They were wrong, they lied
Now you're gone and we cry
'Cause it's not like you to
Walk away
In the middle of a song
Your beautiful song
Your absolutely beautiful song
11. "Under The Bridge" by Red Hot Chili Peppers
Sometimes I feel
Like I don't have a partner
Sometimes I feel
Like my only friend
Is the city I live in
The city of angels
Lonely as I am
Together we cry
I drive on her streets
'Cause she's my companion
I walk through her hills
'Cause she knows who I am
She sees my good deeds
And she kisses me windy
I never worry
Now that is a lie
I don't ever want to feel
Like I did that day
Take me to the place I love
Take me all the way
It's hard to believe
That there's nobody out there
It's hard to believe
That I'm all alone
At least I have her love
The city she loves me
Lonely as I am
Together we cry
I don't ever want to feel
Like I did that day
Take me to the place I love
Take me all that way
Under the bridge downtown
Is where I drew some blood
Under the bridge downtown
I could not get enough
Under the bridge downtown
Forgot about my love
Under the bridge downtown
I gave my life away
12. "Funhouse" by Pink
I dance around this empty house
Tear us down
Throw you out
Screaming down the halls
Spinning all around and now we fall
Pictures framing up the past
Your taunting smirk behind the glass
This museum full of ash
Once a tickle
Now a rash
This used to be a funhouse
But now it's full of evil clowns
It's time to start the countdown
I'm gonna burn it down down down
I'm gonna burn it down
9, 8, 7, 6 5 4, 3, 2, 1, fun
Echoes knocking on locked doors
All the laughter from before
I'd rather live out on the street
Than in this haunted memory
I've called the movers
Called the maids
We'll try to exorcise this place
Drag my mattress to the yard
Crumble tumble house of cards
This used to be a funhouse
But now it's full of evil clowns
It's time to start the countdown
I'm gonna burn it down down down
I'm gonna burn it down
This used to be a funhouse
But now it's full of evil clowns
It's time to start the countdown
I'm gonna burn it down down down
I'm gonna burn it down
9, 8, 7, 6 5 4, 3, 2, 1, fun
Oh, I'm crawling through the doggy door
My key don't fit my lock no more
I'll change the drapes
I'll break the plates
I'll find a new place
Burn this fucker down
do do do do dodo do....
This used to be a funhouse
But now it's full of evil clowns
It's time to start the countdown
I'm gonna burn it down down down
I'm gonna burn it down
This used to be a funhouse
But now it's full of evil clowns
It's time to start the countdown
I'm gonna burn it down down down
I'm gonna burn it down
Fill this out for your song choice:
** Your essay must contain a Work Cited Page that cites the song in MLA format.\
Pre-Writing Worksheet! [First answer the Discovery Checklist on page 272 in your textbook.]
Title of Song: ___________________________ Artist:_________________________________
TONE/MOOD of song (descriptive adjectives): ___________________________________________________________
Plot (Summarize in 3 Steps): 1._______________________________________________________________________
2._______________________________________________________________________
3.________________________________________________________________________
Symbols: ______________________ is symbolic of ___________________________________ because _____________________________________
______________________ is symbolic of ___________________________________ because _____________________________________
______________________ is symbolic of ___________________________________ because _____________________________________
______________________ is symbolic of ___________________________________ because _____________________________________
What is ironic about the song? _________________________________________________________________________________________
What is the TENSION in the song, the 2 ideas, symbols, meanings, etc. that are pulling against each other?
______________________________________________ and _________________________________________________
What is the THEME, MESSAGE, or SOCIAL COMMENTARY of the song-- the overall "lesson" that can be "learned" from the "story" presented in these lyrics? Summarize this succinctly, and make sure you are presenting this as a complete idea, not just one word or a short phrase:
_____________________________________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________________________________
LITERARY TERMS
Literary Terms: http://www.orangeusd.k12.ca.us/yorba/literary_elements.htm
Tone & Mood Interpretive fiction presents the reader with significant insights into life and into human nature. Such truths take a greater hold when they are conveyed through our feelings as well as through our intellect. * Identifying the tone or mood is often an important clue to help the reader discover literary themes.
* Considering how a writer creates a certain tone or mood helps the reader appreciate the author's style.
Tone = Style or Manner of expression in speech or writing .
The Dictionary of Literary Terms by Martin Gray (Longman/York Press,
1996, ISBN 0-582-08037-1) gives the following for tone:
"…Tone is thus a critical concept which implies that literature is like speech, requiring a speaker and a listener, tone being the attitude adopted by the speaker to the listener ---the author's attitude toward the work, events, characters, or the reader/audience -- , gathered and understood from the kind of syntax and vocabulary used. For the full understanding of a work it is essential to recognize its tone or range of tones, however difficult that may be, especially for non-native speakers of English.
Irony, for example, in which an author does not mean what he or she says, may pass unnoticed, if the tone of a passage is misunderstood."
Mood = Atmosphere , State of mind .
"The Dictionary of Literary Terms" gives for Mood:
Mood (OE 'mind, feeling' from ON 'anger') A term used synonymously with atmosphere to indicate in a literary work theprevailing feeling or frame of mind, especially at the start of a play, poem or novel, creating a sense of expectation about what is to follow.
Some Adjectives to Describe :
Ironic , Clear , Detailed , Imploring , Monotonous , Suspicious,
Pompous, Witty ( Full of humor ) , matter-of-fact tone ……….
IRONY: A mode of expression, through words (verbal irony) or events (irony of situation), conveying a reality different from and usually opposite to appearance or expectation. A writer may say the opposite of what he means, create a reversal between expectation and its fulfillment, or give the audience knowledge that a character lacks, making the character's words have meaning to the audience not perceived by the character. In verbal irony, the writer's meaning or even his attitude may be different from what he says: "Why, no one would dare argue that there could be anything more important in choosing a college than its proximity to the beach." An example of situational irony would occur if a professional pickpocket had his own pocket picked just as he was in the act of picking someone else's pocket. The irony is generated by the surprise recognition by the audience of a reality in contrast with expectation or appearance, while another audience, victim, or character puts confidence in the appearance as reality (in this case, the pickpocket doesn't expect his own pocket to be picked). The surprise recognition by the audience often produces a comic effect, making irony often funny.
An example of dramatic irony (where the audience has knowledge that gives additional meaning to a character's words) would be when King Oedipus, who has unknowingly killed his father, says that he will banish his father's killer when he finds him.
Irony is the most common and most efficient technique of the satirist, because it is an instrument of truth, provides wit and humor, and is usually at least obliquely critical, in that it deflates, scorns, or attacks.
The ability to detect irony is sometimes heralded as a test of intelligence and sophistication. When a text intended to be ironic is not seen as such, the effect can be disastrous. Some students have taken Swift's "Modest Proposal" literally. And Defoe's contemporaries took his "Shortest Way with the Dissenters" literally and jailed him for it. To be an effective piece of sustained irony, there must be some sort of audience tip-off, through style, tone, use of clear exaggeration, or other device.
Irony: the discrepancy between what is said and what is meant, what is said and what is done, what is expected or intended and what happens, what is meant or said and what others understand. Sometimes irony is classified into types: in situational irony, expectations aroused by a situation are reversed; in cosmic irony or the irony of fate, misfortune is the result of fate, chance, or God; in dramatic irony. the audience knows more than the characters in the play, so that words and action have additional meaning for the audience; Socractic irony is named after Socrates' teaching method, whereby he assumes ignorance and openness to opposing points of view which turn out to be (he shows them to be) foolish. Click here for examples of irony.
Irony is often confused with sarcasm and satire:
Tone & Mood Interpretive fiction presents the reader with significant insights into life and into human nature. Such truths take a greater hold when they are conveyed through our feelings as well as through our intellect. * Identifying the tone or mood is often an important clue to help the reader discover literary themes.
* Considering how a writer creates a certain tone or mood helps the reader appreciate the author's style.
Tone = Style or Manner of expression in speech or writing .
The Dictionary of Literary Terms by Martin Gray (Longman/York Press,
1996, ISBN 0-582-08037-1) gives the following for tone:
"…Tone is thus a critical concept which implies that literature is like speech, requiring a speaker and a listener, tone being the attitude adopted by the speaker to the listener ---the author's attitude toward the work, events, characters, or the reader/audience -- , gathered and understood from the kind of syntax and vocabulary used. For the full understanding of a work it is essential to recognize its tone or range of tones, however difficult that may be, especially for non-native speakers of English.
Irony, for example, in which an author does not mean what he or she says, may pass unnoticed, if the tone of a passage is misunderstood."
Mood = Atmosphere , State of mind .
"The Dictionary of Literary Terms" gives for Mood:
Mood (OE 'mind, feeling' from ON 'anger') A term used synonymously with atmosphere to indicate in a literary work theprevailing feeling or frame of mind, especially at the start of a play, poem or novel, creating a sense of expectation about what is to follow.
Some Adjectives to Describe :
- Tone : Formal , Informal , Serious , Humorous , Amused , Angry ,
Ironic , Clear , Detailed , Imploring , Monotonous , Suspicious,
Pompous, Witty ( Full of humor ) , matter-of-fact tone ……….
- Mood : Fictional , Imaginary , Fanciful , Idealistic ,Romantic , Realistic,
IRONY: A mode of expression, through words (verbal irony) or events (irony of situation), conveying a reality different from and usually opposite to appearance or expectation. A writer may say the opposite of what he means, create a reversal between expectation and its fulfillment, or give the audience knowledge that a character lacks, making the character's words have meaning to the audience not perceived by the character. In verbal irony, the writer's meaning or even his attitude may be different from what he says: "Why, no one would dare argue that there could be anything more important in choosing a college than its proximity to the beach." An example of situational irony would occur if a professional pickpocket had his own pocket picked just as he was in the act of picking someone else's pocket. The irony is generated by the surprise recognition by the audience of a reality in contrast with expectation or appearance, while another audience, victim, or character puts confidence in the appearance as reality (in this case, the pickpocket doesn't expect his own pocket to be picked). The surprise recognition by the audience often produces a comic effect, making irony often funny.
An example of dramatic irony (where the audience has knowledge that gives additional meaning to a character's words) would be when King Oedipus, who has unknowingly killed his father, says that he will banish his father's killer when he finds him.
Irony is the most common and most efficient technique of the satirist, because it is an instrument of truth, provides wit and humor, and is usually at least obliquely critical, in that it deflates, scorns, or attacks.
The ability to detect irony is sometimes heralded as a test of intelligence and sophistication. When a text intended to be ironic is not seen as such, the effect can be disastrous. Some students have taken Swift's "Modest Proposal" literally. And Defoe's contemporaries took his "Shortest Way with the Dissenters" literally and jailed him for it. To be an effective piece of sustained irony, there must be some sort of audience tip-off, through style, tone, use of clear exaggeration, or other device.
Irony: the discrepancy between what is said and what is meant, what is said and what is done, what is expected or intended and what happens, what is meant or said and what others understand. Sometimes irony is classified into types: in situational irony, expectations aroused by a situation are reversed; in cosmic irony or the irony of fate, misfortune is the result of fate, chance, or God; in dramatic irony. the audience knows more than the characters in the play, so that words and action have additional meaning for the audience; Socractic irony is named after Socrates' teaching method, whereby he assumes ignorance and openness to opposing points of view which turn out to be (he shows them to be) foolish. Click here for examples of irony.
Irony is often confused with sarcasm and satire:
- Sarcasm is one kind of irony; it is praise which is really an insult; sarcasm generally invovles malice, the desire to put someone down, e.g., "This is my brilliant son, who failed out of college."
- Satire is the exposure of the vices or follies of an indiviudal, a group, an institution, an idea, a society, etc., usually with a view to correcting it. Satirists frequently use irony.
ERRORS from Analysis Essays, Fall 2011
1301 Analysis Essay Errors
1. [Topic Statement]: The irony of “this is what it sounds like / when doves cry” (lines 18-19) is used as an outlet of the lover’s emotions.
2. This would cause no need for war, “Nothing to kill or die for” (line 8) leave us all “Living life in peace” (line 12).
3. In society now a days, when your love leaves, that person tends to come back to check up on things, which is stressful.
4. [Topic Statement]: There are some tough symbolic things Christine has in her song.
5. For example, “Well I’ve been afraid of changing, because I built my life around you.” Says that she changed her life for him.
6. [Topic Statement]: The torture of feeling sorry for himself led him to “drawing pictures of himself on mountain tops looking at the sun with his arms raised in a v” (1-5) crying out for help.
7. [Topic Statement]: The imagery vision leads us to some unthinkable actions from the classmates, maybe teachers as he “bit the recess ladies breast” (18).
8. You would not want to the last straw for someone to cause them to go crazy or do crazy things like fighting, shootings at school, and/or suicide.
9. By wanting the door black instead of red is showing that Mick is taking the pain and depression towards the love of his life.
10. Thesis: With his song, Prince gives insight not only into an outcome of an abusive relationship, but into his own fear that he will follow in its footsteps.
11. The hardships of dealing with and growing up with struggles of witnessing violence within a home is very hard obstacle to deal with.
12. “The sweat of your body covers me/ can you picture this?” (lines 3-5) the feeling of passion in these lines shows what he believes they could have in a perfect relationship.
13. [Topic Statement]: When Pearl Jam said “King Jeremy the wicked” (line 10) he really portrayed that Jeremy realized that he was on his own so he took control of his life by doing what he wanted when he wanted.
14. Pearl Jam’s “Jeremy” relates to readers in a positive and negative way.
15. The use of “A surprise left” Pearl Jam’s uses in his song “Jeremy” symbolizes suicide that Jeremy proceeds in doing in the song.
16. “With momma’s mason jar” She is trapped in this relationship, being taken for granted and isolated from life i.e. kept in a jar.
__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
"Hurt": In-Class Sample Hurt lyrics
I hurt myself today
To see if I still feel
I focus on the pain
The only thing that's real
The needle tears a hole
The old familiar sting
Try to kill it all away
But I remember everything
[Chorus:]
What have I become
My sweetest friend
Everyone I know goes away
In the end
And you could have it all
My empire of dirt
I will let you down
I will make you hurt
I wear this crown of thorns
Upon my liar's chair
Full of broken thoughts
I cannot repair
Beneath the stains of time
The feelings disappear
You are someone else
I am still right here
[Chorus:]
What have I become
My sweetest friend
Everyone I know goes away
In the end
And you could have it all
My empire of dirt
I will let you down
I will make you hurt
If I could start again
A million miles away
I would keep myself
I would find a way.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fb4qyuR7_cc
NIN : "Hurt" : http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fb4qyuR7_cc
When thinking about content for your introduction, think first of the THEME in general. You might start with a brief discussion introducing that general theme. For example, if your song is about drug addiction, perhaps you'd make some initial observations about addiction in general, then connect those general ideas to the specific content at hand. Or, start with a lead-in or frame. End by referencing that frame (or your title) and bringing the analysis back full circle.
For your body paragraphs, you are going to think about how the song portrays that theme. Essentially, the first body paragraph avoids analysis; it simply states the content of the song. The next 2 body paragraphs focus on elements of the song that lead you to an interpretive meaning. For this particular essay, i've chosen point of view and imagery as my literary elements of focus; Reznor sends his message through creative use of these vehicles.
Name English 1301,
Fall 2007
Essay #3: Analysis (Music)
Exposing the Truth Underneath the Crown: An Analysis of Trent Reznor’s “Hurt”
Many people aspire to be famous; even more people experience moments of disappointment about who they are and wish to trade lives with someone in the spotlight. However, many times, underneath the spotlight and bright glow of stardom lurks depression and addiction. Trent Reznor’s song “Hurt” depicts the emotions of a drug addict and the consequences of fame. Through his lyrics, Reznor invites listeners to gain an understanding of a situation that is unfathomable to most. The song is an admission of the fragility of man, and while it recounts the consequences of a serious disease, it also conveys the image of a flawed human being. The song is also a blatantly honest expression of what it really means to be human. Trent Reznor's "Hurt" is a powerful display of the reality of the lonliness and despair that often lies behind the appearance of being on top of the world. ** If you get stuck in introductions, use your formula. Notice that I begin with a lead-in that does not specifically mention the song, only the SUBJECT of the song. Eventually I connect that general subject to the specific one-- this particular song. I then discuss the general themes of the song.
On the surface, “Hurt” refers to the emotional state of a drug addict, whose “focus [is] on the pain / the only thing that’s real” (lines 3-4). However, the reality of the pain of addiction becomes all too real, but when he attempts to “kill it all away” (line 7), he merely reverts backs to “the needle… the old familiar sting” (lines 5-6). This cycle is a “catch-22” because the addict tries to ease the pain of addiction by taking more drugs, which perpetuates the pain. Sadly, despite resorting to this dangerous measure of escape through drug abuse, the addict admits with haunting honesty, “I remember everything” (line 8). The story Reznor tells seems immensely personal in nature. ** This paragraph just simply states what is going on in the song. No interpretation is needed in this paragraph, just summarize the "plot" of the story (that is, in this case, told through song).
The use of perspective, the first person “I” and the second person “you,” humanizes the stereotypical face of addiction. The song, therefore, acts as an honest admission of human flaws. Not only is the addiction itself representative of human flaw, but so too are the actions of the addict. He admits, “I will let you down / I will make you hurt” (lines 15-16). The addict knows that human perfection is impossible and wants to warn those close to him of his personal flaws. He leaves hints for the motivation for his actions, that “everyone [he] know[s] / Goes away in the end” (lines 11-12), but the statement only begs the question, do they leave because of his addiction, or is the addiction caused by their leaving? However, this admission not only lends a personal feel to the song, but it also creates a sympathetic view toward this particular addict.** Notice the technique being used here: The topic is presented in the first sentence, and the impact that our key word has on the meaning of the song is revealed in the last sentence.
Citizens of modern America are often programmed to desire fame and fortune, but this song shows that fame and fortune do come with a price. In exchange for money and notoriety, they give up privacy and aninimity, which can often have serious emotional consequences, such as addiction. Interestingly, within the lyrics of the song, images of the despair of addiction are juxtaposed with images of royalty. The addict refers to his “empire of dirt” (line 14) and “crown of shit” (line 17). The parallel between these polar opposite images serves to solidify the idea that even those who appear to have it all can be one step away from having nothing. Even kings are just human beings underneath their crowns. In the end, the addict would choose to “keep [himself] / [he] would find a way” (lines 35-36); he would gladly trade his image for some semblance of a normal life. ** Placing your topic sentence somewhere besides sentence 1 is tricky; it is a technique that experienced writers can more comfortably use. If you are a more tentative or blossoming writer, stick to the formula of placing your topic statements first.
Trent Reznor's "Hurt" makes the emotions of addiction relatable to listeners. Imbedded deep within the pained and haunting lyrics of the song is something darkly beautiful. [Value Words] Sadly, there are no magic pills to make unwanted memories disappear. The addict laments that he is “full of broken thoughts / I cannot repair” (lines 19-20). While “the stain of time” (line 21) can ease wounded feelings, the addict emerges “still right here,” (line 24) wondering, “what have I become?” (line 25). Hopefully his bold admission proves to be enough of a motivation for him to seek permanent help for his addiction. If not, we can remain thankful that some beauty can come from such despair. We can be thankful that someone would have enough guts to lift their crown and to expose, even for just a brief moment, the humanity underneath. ** This paragraph is devoted to the social commentary of the song-- what this story can teach society-- what we "get" from the lyrics, as well as the VALUE of the song.
Work Cited
Reznor, Trent. "Hurt". The Downward Spiral. Interscope, 1994. CD.
In regards to Johnny Cash's cover of his song, Reznor said: "I pop the video in, and wow… Tears welling, silence, goose-bumps… Wow. [I felt like] I just lost my girlfriend, because that song isn't mine anymore… It really made me think about how powerful music is as a medium and art form. I wrote some words and music in my bedroom as a way of staying sane, about a bleak and desperate place I was in, totally isolated and alone. [Somehow] that winds up reinterpreted by a music legend from a radically different era/genre and still retains sincerity and meaning — different, but every bit as pure."
__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Sample Analysis Essay:
Choosing a Path: An Analysis of Robert Frost’s “The Road Not Taken”
Our lives are a journey, and along the way, different paths are presented to us; while each path is a choice, within each path lays a series of other choices. In life, some choices are big, and others are small, but every choice a person makes can have a profound impact. While some decisions are clear, others are less so; the process of determining those less clear choices can be tense and confusing. In the poem “The Road Not Taken”, Robert Frost presents the complexities of choice using the metaphor of paths in the woods. Throughout the poem, the narrator reflects not only on the process of the decision, but on the outcome as well.
“The Road Not Taken” recounts a personal experience as told by a narrator using the first person. The first image of the poem, “Two roads diverged in a yellow wood” (line 1) places the setting of the experience outdoors amongst the woods. It is here that the “traveler, long… stood” (line 3) trying to determine which road to follow. The narrator defines the choice as being between a road that had “bent in the undergrowth” (line 5), one that is “grassy and wanted wear” (line 8), and one that “In leaves no step had trodden black” (line 12); while each path was traveled in different amounts, he makes it clear that each was “just as fair” (line 7) as the other. In the end, he reveals the path he has chosen and admits that it “had made all the difference” (line 20), which leaves readers wondering about the specifics of that choice and its outcome.
The setting of the poem, literally amongst nature, has great significance in the poem. The description “yellow wood” (line 1) introduces the setting in a positive way as “yellow” is a vibrant color usually associated with the sun. While further description is more obscure, such as “bent in the undergrowth” (line 5) and descriptive words such as “grassy” (line 8), “worn” (line 10), and “trodden black” (line 12), the setting of the poem, like the decision-making process, is treated positively overall. The natural setting can be viewed as a parallel to the natural state the narrator finds himself in as he can “not travel both” (line 2) paths and must choose one. Decisions, in general, are a natural part of life; with this observation, it becomes clear that the man’s journey can be related to every person’s life journey.
While readers can relate to the narrator’s situation of having to make a choice, which is part of human nature, they may also relate to the outcome of the choice. People seem conditioned to travel the easier road; the narrator though finds the less predictable path where “no step had trodden black” (line 12) more appealing and saves “the first for another day!” (line 12). In other words, rather than follow in others’ footsteps, the narrator chooses his or her own path. The narrator clearly reveals, “I took the one less traveled by” (line 14), but the message comes with the admission, “And that has made all the difference” (line 20). Through the narrator’s reflection, readers are forced to contemplate the notion that choosing the seemingly harder path in life can lead to a more fulfilling future.
Like the narrator, readers may also look to a time past when they have made an important decision in life, as well as to a time future when “with a sigh” (line 16) they may find themselves telling of that choice “ages hence” (line 17). If the narrator had traveled the road more often taken, then the outcome may have been more predictable; however, it may not have been as rewarding. Robert Frost’s poem “The Road Not Taken” reflects upon the process of decision making and probes readers to examine the possibility of choosing a less predictable path. Like the narrator, we too are impacted by our choices; in fact, our life is a collection of choices. Therefore, we should strive to uncover our own unique, individual path that leads to our own unique, personal destiny.
Work Cited
Frost, Robert. “The Road Not Taken”. Literature: Reading, Reacting, Writing 7th Edition,
Ed. Kirszner and Mandell. Wadsworth: USA, 2009. 1024-1025.
1. [Topic Statement]: The irony of “this is what it sounds like / when doves cry” (lines 18-19) is used as an outlet of the lover’s emotions.
2. This would cause no need for war, “Nothing to kill or die for” (line 8) leave us all “Living life in peace” (line 12).
3. In society now a days, when your love leaves, that person tends to come back to check up on things, which is stressful.
4. [Topic Statement]: There are some tough symbolic things Christine has in her song.
5. For example, “Well I’ve been afraid of changing, because I built my life around you.” Says that she changed her life for him.
6. [Topic Statement]: The torture of feeling sorry for himself led him to “drawing pictures of himself on mountain tops looking at the sun with his arms raised in a v” (1-5) crying out for help.
7. [Topic Statement]: The imagery vision leads us to some unthinkable actions from the classmates, maybe teachers as he “bit the recess ladies breast” (18).
8. You would not want to the last straw for someone to cause them to go crazy or do crazy things like fighting, shootings at school, and/or suicide.
9. By wanting the door black instead of red is showing that Mick is taking the pain and depression towards the love of his life.
10. Thesis: With his song, Prince gives insight not only into an outcome of an abusive relationship, but into his own fear that he will follow in its footsteps.
11. The hardships of dealing with and growing up with struggles of witnessing violence within a home is very hard obstacle to deal with.
12. “The sweat of your body covers me/ can you picture this?” (lines 3-5) the feeling of passion in these lines shows what he believes they could have in a perfect relationship.
13. [Topic Statement]: When Pearl Jam said “King Jeremy the wicked” (line 10) he really portrayed that Jeremy realized that he was on his own so he took control of his life by doing what he wanted when he wanted.
14. Pearl Jam’s “Jeremy” relates to readers in a positive and negative way.
15. The use of “A surprise left” Pearl Jam’s uses in his song “Jeremy” symbolizes suicide that Jeremy proceeds in doing in the song.
16. “With momma’s mason jar” She is trapped in this relationship, being taken for granted and isolated from life i.e. kept in a jar.
__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
"Hurt": In-Class Sample Hurt lyrics
I hurt myself today
To see if I still feel
I focus on the pain
The only thing that's real
The needle tears a hole
The old familiar sting
Try to kill it all away
But I remember everything
[Chorus:]
What have I become
My sweetest friend
Everyone I know goes away
In the end
And you could have it all
My empire of dirt
I will let you down
I will make you hurt
I wear this crown of thorns
Upon my liar's chair
Full of broken thoughts
I cannot repair
Beneath the stains of time
The feelings disappear
You are someone else
I am still right here
[Chorus:]
What have I become
My sweetest friend
Everyone I know goes away
In the end
And you could have it all
My empire of dirt
I will let you down
I will make you hurt
If I could start again
A million miles away
I would keep myself
I would find a way.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fb4qyuR7_cc
NIN : "Hurt" : http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fb4qyuR7_cc
When thinking about content for your introduction, think first of the THEME in general. You might start with a brief discussion introducing that general theme. For example, if your song is about drug addiction, perhaps you'd make some initial observations about addiction in general, then connect those general ideas to the specific content at hand. Or, start with a lead-in or frame. End by referencing that frame (or your title) and bringing the analysis back full circle.
For your body paragraphs, you are going to think about how the song portrays that theme. Essentially, the first body paragraph avoids analysis; it simply states the content of the song. The next 2 body paragraphs focus on elements of the song that lead you to an interpretive meaning. For this particular essay, i've chosen point of view and imagery as my literary elements of focus; Reznor sends his message through creative use of these vehicles.
Name English 1301,
Fall 2007
Essay #3: Analysis (Music)
Exposing the Truth Underneath the Crown: An Analysis of Trent Reznor’s “Hurt”
Many people aspire to be famous; even more people experience moments of disappointment about who they are and wish to trade lives with someone in the spotlight. However, many times, underneath the spotlight and bright glow of stardom lurks depression and addiction. Trent Reznor’s song “Hurt” depicts the emotions of a drug addict and the consequences of fame. Through his lyrics, Reznor invites listeners to gain an understanding of a situation that is unfathomable to most. The song is an admission of the fragility of man, and while it recounts the consequences of a serious disease, it also conveys the image of a flawed human being. The song is also a blatantly honest expression of what it really means to be human. Trent Reznor's "Hurt" is a powerful display of the reality of the lonliness and despair that often lies behind the appearance of being on top of the world. ** If you get stuck in introductions, use your formula. Notice that I begin with a lead-in that does not specifically mention the song, only the SUBJECT of the song. Eventually I connect that general subject to the specific one-- this particular song. I then discuss the general themes of the song.
On the surface, “Hurt” refers to the emotional state of a drug addict, whose “focus [is] on the pain / the only thing that’s real” (lines 3-4). However, the reality of the pain of addiction becomes all too real, but when he attempts to “kill it all away” (line 7), he merely reverts backs to “the needle… the old familiar sting” (lines 5-6). This cycle is a “catch-22” because the addict tries to ease the pain of addiction by taking more drugs, which perpetuates the pain. Sadly, despite resorting to this dangerous measure of escape through drug abuse, the addict admits with haunting honesty, “I remember everything” (line 8). The story Reznor tells seems immensely personal in nature. ** This paragraph just simply states what is going on in the song. No interpretation is needed in this paragraph, just summarize the "plot" of the story (that is, in this case, told through song).
The use of perspective, the first person “I” and the second person “you,” humanizes the stereotypical face of addiction. The song, therefore, acts as an honest admission of human flaws. Not only is the addiction itself representative of human flaw, but so too are the actions of the addict. He admits, “I will let you down / I will make you hurt” (lines 15-16). The addict knows that human perfection is impossible and wants to warn those close to him of his personal flaws. He leaves hints for the motivation for his actions, that “everyone [he] know[s] / Goes away in the end” (lines 11-12), but the statement only begs the question, do they leave because of his addiction, or is the addiction caused by their leaving? However, this admission not only lends a personal feel to the song, but it also creates a sympathetic view toward this particular addict.** Notice the technique being used here: The topic is presented in the first sentence, and the impact that our key word has on the meaning of the song is revealed in the last sentence.
Citizens of modern America are often programmed to desire fame and fortune, but this song shows that fame and fortune do come with a price. In exchange for money and notoriety, they give up privacy and aninimity, which can often have serious emotional consequences, such as addiction. Interestingly, within the lyrics of the song, images of the despair of addiction are juxtaposed with images of royalty. The addict refers to his “empire of dirt” (line 14) and “crown of shit” (line 17). The parallel between these polar opposite images serves to solidify the idea that even those who appear to have it all can be one step away from having nothing. Even kings are just human beings underneath their crowns. In the end, the addict would choose to “keep [himself] / [he] would find a way” (lines 35-36); he would gladly trade his image for some semblance of a normal life. ** Placing your topic sentence somewhere besides sentence 1 is tricky; it is a technique that experienced writers can more comfortably use. If you are a more tentative or blossoming writer, stick to the formula of placing your topic statements first.
Trent Reznor's "Hurt" makes the emotions of addiction relatable to listeners. Imbedded deep within the pained and haunting lyrics of the song is something darkly beautiful. [Value Words] Sadly, there are no magic pills to make unwanted memories disappear. The addict laments that he is “full of broken thoughts / I cannot repair” (lines 19-20). While “the stain of time” (line 21) can ease wounded feelings, the addict emerges “still right here,” (line 24) wondering, “what have I become?” (line 25). Hopefully his bold admission proves to be enough of a motivation for him to seek permanent help for his addiction. If not, we can remain thankful that some beauty can come from such despair. We can be thankful that someone would have enough guts to lift their crown and to expose, even for just a brief moment, the humanity underneath. ** This paragraph is devoted to the social commentary of the song-- what this story can teach society-- what we "get" from the lyrics, as well as the VALUE of the song.
Work Cited
Reznor, Trent. "Hurt". The Downward Spiral. Interscope, 1994. CD.
In regards to Johnny Cash's cover of his song, Reznor said: "I pop the video in, and wow… Tears welling, silence, goose-bumps… Wow. [I felt like] I just lost my girlfriend, because that song isn't mine anymore… It really made me think about how powerful music is as a medium and art form. I wrote some words and music in my bedroom as a way of staying sane, about a bleak and desperate place I was in, totally isolated and alone. [Somehow] that winds up reinterpreted by a music legend from a radically different era/genre and still retains sincerity and meaning — different, but every bit as pure."
__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Sample Analysis Essay:
Choosing a Path: An Analysis of Robert Frost’s “The Road Not Taken”
Our lives are a journey, and along the way, different paths are presented to us; while each path is a choice, within each path lays a series of other choices. In life, some choices are big, and others are small, but every choice a person makes can have a profound impact. While some decisions are clear, others are less so; the process of determining those less clear choices can be tense and confusing. In the poem “The Road Not Taken”, Robert Frost presents the complexities of choice using the metaphor of paths in the woods. Throughout the poem, the narrator reflects not only on the process of the decision, but on the outcome as well.
“The Road Not Taken” recounts a personal experience as told by a narrator using the first person. The first image of the poem, “Two roads diverged in a yellow wood” (line 1) places the setting of the experience outdoors amongst the woods. It is here that the “traveler, long… stood” (line 3) trying to determine which road to follow. The narrator defines the choice as being between a road that had “bent in the undergrowth” (line 5), one that is “grassy and wanted wear” (line 8), and one that “In leaves no step had trodden black” (line 12); while each path was traveled in different amounts, he makes it clear that each was “just as fair” (line 7) as the other. In the end, he reveals the path he has chosen and admits that it “had made all the difference” (line 20), which leaves readers wondering about the specifics of that choice and its outcome.
The setting of the poem, literally amongst nature, has great significance in the poem. The description “yellow wood” (line 1) introduces the setting in a positive way as “yellow” is a vibrant color usually associated with the sun. While further description is more obscure, such as “bent in the undergrowth” (line 5) and descriptive words such as “grassy” (line 8), “worn” (line 10), and “trodden black” (line 12), the setting of the poem, like the decision-making process, is treated positively overall. The natural setting can be viewed as a parallel to the natural state the narrator finds himself in as he can “not travel both” (line 2) paths and must choose one. Decisions, in general, are a natural part of life; with this observation, it becomes clear that the man’s journey can be related to every person’s life journey.
While readers can relate to the narrator’s situation of having to make a choice, which is part of human nature, they may also relate to the outcome of the choice. People seem conditioned to travel the easier road; the narrator though finds the less predictable path where “no step had trodden black” (line 12) more appealing and saves “the first for another day!” (line 12). In other words, rather than follow in others’ footsteps, the narrator chooses his or her own path. The narrator clearly reveals, “I took the one less traveled by” (line 14), but the message comes with the admission, “And that has made all the difference” (line 20). Through the narrator’s reflection, readers are forced to contemplate the notion that choosing the seemingly harder path in life can lead to a more fulfilling future.
Like the narrator, readers may also look to a time past when they have made an important decision in life, as well as to a time future when “with a sigh” (line 16) they may find themselves telling of that choice “ages hence” (line 17). If the narrator had traveled the road more often taken, then the outcome may have been more predictable; however, it may not have been as rewarding. Robert Frost’s poem “The Road Not Taken” reflects upon the process of decision making and probes readers to examine the possibility of choosing a less predictable path. Like the narrator, we too are impacted by our choices; in fact, our life is a collection of choices. Therefore, we should strive to uncover our own unique, individual path that leads to our own unique, personal destiny.
Work Cited
Frost, Robert. “The Road Not Taken”. Literature: Reading, Reacting, Writing 7th Edition,
Ed. Kirszner and Mandell. Wadsworth: USA, 2009. 1024-1025.