Students at a local university are finding connections between Taylor Swift’s music and classic literature, sparking discussions and debates in their classes.
Makenna Walko, a 19-year-old student, drew parallels between Swift’s song “Clara Bow” and Willa Cather’s novel about an aspiring opera singer, “The Song of the Lark.” She highlighted the themes of chasing big musical dreams and breaking out of a small town, which she believes resonates with Swift’s own journey in the music industry.
Meanwhile, Lola DeAscentiis, a second-year student, compared Swift’s song “But Daddy I Love Him” to Sylvia Plath’s poem “Daddy.” She plans to explore this connection further in her final project, noting similarities in themes of sadness, depression, and mental health.
DeAscentiis, 20, acknowledged the distinction between being a fan of Swift and a “swiftie,” the term for devoted followers of the artist. She expressed her admiration for Swift’s ability to intertwine personal relationships with her music, much like Plath did in her poetry.
Ana Paulina Serrano, a 21-year-old neuroscience major, joined the conversation by questioning whether Swift could be considered a confessional poet. She pointed to Swift’s song “Mastermind” from the album Midnights as evidence of Swift’s introspective and calculated approach to relationships.
The students’ discussions have raised intriguing questions about the depth and complexity of Swift’s songwriting, prompting further exploration into the intersection of music and literature in popular culture. As they delve deeper into these connections, they hope to gain a deeper understanding of both Swift’s artistry and the timeless themes that resonate across different forms of expression.
