Unraveling Taylor Swift’s Love Story: A Formalistic Analysis


Estelle Nica Marie M. Dunlao Marijo D. Chua
Carlos Hilado Memorial State University Talisay City, Negros Occidental, Philippines
DOI : https://doi.org/10.58806/ijirme.2024.v3i5n02

Abstract

Like in structure and themes, song lyrics and literature share the elements of rhythm, melody, and harmony, mirroring the flow of language in literature. This allows both forms to tell stories, evoke emotions, and inspire audiences. A songwriter's biographical background, much like an author's, enhances the appreciation of their work. Using Formalistic Criticism, this research analyzes Taylor Swift's "Love Story." Results reveal literary devices like flashback, anaphora, metaphor, foreshadowing, allusion, colloquialism, situational irony, and the use of visual, auditory, and tactile imagery. Ultimately, this research uncovers Swift's artistry and personal evolution, showcasing the song's powerful imagery, literary devices, and narrative structure.

Keywords:

formalistic analysis, love story, imagery, rhythm, melody.

References:

1) Cao, Y., & International Conference on Education Language and Art. (2023). Proceedings of the 2nd international conference on education language and art (icela, 2022). In The Love Story and Taylor Swift’s Stylization (pp. 114-Atlantis Press SARL). Essay Ying Loo Fung. https://doi.org/10.2991/978-2-38476-004-6_16

2) Epstein, W. H. (1991). Contesting the subject: Essays in the postmodern theory and practice of biography and biographical criticism. Purdue University Press.

3) Gao, L. (2021). The Real Meaning Behind “Love Story” By Taylor Swift. Nicki Swift. https://www.nickiswift.com/312557/the-real-meaning-behind-love-story-by-taylor-swift

4) Ginting, D., & Levana, E. R. (2021). Cultural Views of a Society Through Taylor Swift’s Song. Interaction: Jurnal Pendidikan Bahasa, 8(1), 34–49. https://doi.org/10.36232/jurnalpendidikanbahasa.v8i1.945

5) Guerin, W. L. (2011). A handbook of critical approaches to literature (6th ed.). Oxford University Press.

6) Hopper, A., & Hopper, A. (2022, October 12). Behind The Meaning of Taylor Swift’s Romeo and Juliet-Inspired “Love Story.” American Songwriter. https://americansongwriter.com/behind-the-meaning-of-taylor-swifts-romeo-and-juliet-inspired-love-story/

7) Kaźmierska, K. (2014). Analyzing biographical data – Different approaches to doing biographical research. Qualitative Sociology Review, 10(1), 6–17. https://doi.org/10.18778/1733-8077.10.1.01

8) Kennedy, X. J. (1979). Literature: An introduction to fiction, poetry, and drama. https://www.semanticscholar.org/paper/Literature%3A-An-Introduction-to-Fiction%2C-Poetry%2C-and-Kennedy-Gioia/0e341b63eb1f0980b2d89c947159978463a341bf

9) Kimball, C. (2006). Song: A guide to art song style and literature (Revised). Hal Leonard Corporation.

10) McDonald, R. (2023, August 10). The Scarlet Letter | Summary, Analysis, Characters, & Facts. Encyclopedia Britannica. https://www.britannica.com/topic/The-Scarlet-Letter-novel-by-Hawthorne

11) Newton K. M. (1997). Cleanth Brooks: ‘The Formalist Critic’. In: Newton, K. M. (eds) Twentieth-Century Literary Theory. Palgrave, London. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-349-25934-2_6

12) Perone, J. E. (2017). The words and music of Taylor Swift. Praeger is an imprint of ABC-CLIO LLC. Retrieved August 11, 2023, from https://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&scope=site&db=nlebk&db=nlabk&AN=1543667.

13) Poetry and Music. (n.d.). Poetry and Music | Poetry Foundation. Poetry Foundation. https://www.poetryfoundation.org/collections/148663/poetry-and-musi

14) The True Meaning of ‘Love Story’ by Taylor Swift. (2023, February 28). Interesting Literature. https://interestingliterature.com/2023/03/taylor-swift-love-story-meaning/

15) Tussa’diah, H. (2018, October 29). An analysis of Laskar Pelangi's novel by using biographical criticism. TUSSA’DIAH | KUMPULAN JURNAL DOSEN UNIVERSITAS MUHAMMADIYAH SUMATERA UTARA. https://jurnal.umsu.ac.id/index.php/kumpulandosen/article/view/2367

16) "Love Story" | Country Music Project. (n.d.). Sites.dwrl.utexas.edu. Retrieved August 12, 2023, from https://sites.dwrl.utexas.edu/countrymusic/music/fearless-2008/love-story/