Analysis: Music
Running To Stand Still lyrics [by U2]
And so she woke up
Woke up from where she was
Lying still
Said I gotta do something
About where we're going
Step on a steam train
Step out of the driving rain, maybe
Run from the darkness in the night
Singing ha, ah la la la de day
Ah la la la de day
Ah la la de day
Sweet the sin
Bitter taste in my mouth
I see seven towers
But I only see one way out
You got to cry without weeping
Talk without speaking
Scream without raising your voice
You know I took the poison
From the poison stream
Then I floated out of here
Singing...ha la la la de day
Ha la la la de day
Ha la la de day
She runs through the streets
With her eyes painted red
Under black belly of cloud in the rain
In through a doorway she brings me
White gold and pearls stolen from the sea
She is raging
She is raging
And the storm blows up in her eyes
She will...
Suffer the needle chill
She's running to stand...
Still.
Surface meaning? In other words, without interpretation, what is going on in the song?
What do you think the underlying meaning/message of the song is?
What details lead you to that message?
If you were to turn that into an essay, the answers to those questions would make up your body paragraphs.
"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. “Hurt” is perhaps the most honest expression of what it really means to be human. It 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.
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.
The use of 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.
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.
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. 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.
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."
Essay Assignment: Music Lyrics Analysis English 1301- Music Analysis Essay
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.
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).
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.
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. This basically takes the message and shows how it can be applied to society today.
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:
Introduction: 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.
Questions to contemplate: 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?
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 3-4 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:
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.
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.
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. “Imagine” by John Lennon
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
2. “Landslide” by Fleetwood Mac
I took my love, I took it down
Climbed a mountain and I turned around
I saw my reflection in the snow covered hills
till the landslide brought me down
Oh, mirror in the sky
What is love
Can the child within my heart rise above
Can I sail thru the changing ocean tides
Can I handle the seasons of my life
Well, Ive been afraid of changing
cause Ive built my life around you
But time makes you bolder
Children get older
Im getting older too
Oh, take my love, take it down
Climb a mountain and turn around
If you see my reflection in the snow covered hills
Well the landslide will bring it down
If you see my reflection in the snow covered hills
Well maybe the landslide will bring it down
3. “Jeremy” by Pearl Jam
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.
4. “When Doves Cry” by Prince
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)
5. “Butterfly Fly Away” by Miley Cyrus
You tucked me in, turned out the light
Kept me safe and sound at night
Little girls depend on things like that
Brushed my teeth and combed my hair
Had to drive me everywhere
You were always there when I looked back
You had to do it all alone
Make a living,make a home
Must have been as hard as it could be
And when I couldn't sleep at night
Scared things wouldn't turn out right
You would hold my hand and sing to me
Caterpillar in the tree
How you wonder who you'll be
Can't go far but you can always dream
Wish you may and wish you might
Don't you worry,hold on tight
I promise you there will come a day
Butterfly fly away
Butterfly fly away(Butterfly fly away)
Got your wings,now you can't stay
Take those dreams and make them all come true
Butterfly fly away(Butterfly fly away)
You've been waiting for this day
All along you know just what to do
Butterfly,Butterfly,Butterfly
Butterfly fly away
6. "Funhouse" by Pink lyrics
Songwriters: Harry, Jimmy; Kanal, Tony; Moore, Alecia; 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
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
I'm crawling through the doggy door
My key don't fit my life 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, do, do, do
Do, do, do, do, do, do, do
Do, do, do, do, do, do, do
Do, do, do, do, da, da, da, da
Do, do, do, do, do, do, do
(9, 8)
Do, do, do, do, do, do, do
(7, 6)
Do, do, do, do, do, do, do
(5, 4, 3)
Do, do, do, do, do, do, do
(2, 1)
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
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
7. “Minority” by Green Day
chorus)
i want to be the minority
i dont need your authority
down with the moral majority
'cause i want to be the minority
i pledge allegiance to the underworld
one nation under dog
there of which i stand alone
a face in the crowd
unsung, against the mold
without a doubt,
singled out
the only way i know
*chorus*
stepped out of the line
like a sheep runs from the herd
marching out of time
to my own beat now
the only way i know
one light, one mind
flashing in the dark
blinded by silence of a thousand broken hearts
"for cryin out loud" she screamed unto me
a free for all
fuck 'em all
"you are your own sight"
*chorus*
8. “We Shall Be Free” by Garth Brooks
When the last child cries for a crust of bread,
When the last man dies for just words that he said,
When there's shelter over the poorest head,
We shall be free,
When the last thing we notice is the color of skin,
And the first thing we look for is the beauty within,
When the skies and the oceans are clean again,
Then we shall be free,
We shall be free,
We shall be free,
So stand straight,
Walk proud,
'Cause we shall be free,
When we're free to love anyone we choose,
When this worlds big enough for all different views,
When we're all free to worship from our own kind of pew,
Then we shall be free,
We shall be free,
We shall be free,
Have a little faith,
Hold out,
'Cause we shall be free,
And when money talks for the very last time,
And nobody walks a step behind,
When there's only one race and that's mankind,
Then we shall be free,
We shall be free,
Listen to what I'm saying to you,
We shall be free,
Cause every night and day I pray it's true,
Together,
Forever,
We shall be free,
We shall be free,
We shall be free,
Stand straight,
Have a little faith,
Walk proud,
Hold out,
We shall be free,
Listen to what I'm sayin' to you,
We shall be free,
Every night and day I pray it's true,
Together,
Forever,
We shall be free,
9. “Little Boxes” by Malvina Reynolds
1. Little boxes on the hillside,
Little boxes made of ticky-tacky,
Little boxes, little boxes,
Little boxes, all the same.
There's a green one and a pink one
And a blue one and a yellow one
And they're all made out of ticky-tacky
And they all look just the same.
2. And the people in the houses
All go to the university,
And they all get put in boxes,
Little boxes, all the same.
And there's doctors and there's lawyers
And business executives,
And they're all made out of ticky-tacky
And they all look just the same.
3. And they all play on the golf-course,
And drink their Martini dry,
And they all have pretty children,
And the children go to school.
And the children go to summer camp
And then to the university,
And they all get put in boxes
And they all come out the same.
4. And the boys go into business,
And marry, and raise a family,
And they all get put in boxes,
Little boxes, all the same.
There's a green one and a pink one
And a blue one and a yellow one
And they're all made out of ticky-tacky
And they all look just the same
10. "Man That You Fear" by Marilyn Manson
Man That You Fear lyrics
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
11. "Fake Plastic Trees" by Radiohead
"Fake Plastic Trees"
Her green plastic watering can
For her fake Chinese rubber plant
In the fake plastic earth
That she bought from a rubber man
In a town full of rubber plans
To get rid of itself
It wears her out, it wears her out
It wears her out, it wears her out
She lives with a broken man
A cracked polystyrene man
Who just crumbles and burns
He used to do surgery
For girls in the eighties
But gravity always wins
It wears him out, it wears him out
It wears him out, it wears him out
She looks like the real thing
She tastes like the real thing
My fake plastic love
But I can't help the feeling
I could blow through the ceiling
If I just turn and run
It wears me out, it wears me out
It wears me out, it wears me out
If I could be who you wanted
If I could be who you wanted all the time
All the time...
All the time...
12. "The Perfect Drug" by Nine Inch Nails
The Perfect Drug lyrics
I got my head but my head is unraveling
cant keep control can't keep track of where it's traveling
I got my heart but my heart's no good
and you're the only one that's understood
I come along but I don't know where you're taking me
I shouldn't go but you're wrenching dragging shaking me
turn off the sun pull the stars from the sky
the more I give to you the more I die
and I want you
you are the perfect drug
the perfect drug
the perfect drug
the perfect drug
you make me hard when i'm all soft inside
I see the truth when i'm all stupid-eyed
the arrow goes straight through my heart
without you everything just falls apart
my blood wants to say hello to you
my fears want to get inside of you
my soul is so afraid to realize
how very little there is left of me
take me with you
without you everything falls apart
it's not as much fun to pick up the pieces
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 the prevailing 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:
And so she woke up
Woke up from where she was
Lying still
Said I gotta do something
About where we're going
Step on a steam train
Step out of the driving rain, maybe
Run from the darkness in the night
Singing ha, ah la la la de day
Ah la la la de day
Ah la la de day
Sweet the sin
Bitter taste in my mouth
I see seven towers
But I only see one way out
You got to cry without weeping
Talk without speaking
Scream without raising your voice
You know I took the poison
From the poison stream
Then I floated out of here
Singing...ha la la la de day
Ha la la la de day
Ha la la de day
She runs through the streets
With her eyes painted red
Under black belly of cloud in the rain
In through a doorway she brings me
White gold and pearls stolen from the sea
She is raging
She is raging
And the storm blows up in her eyes
She will...
Suffer the needle chill
She's running to stand...
Still.
Surface meaning? In other words, without interpretation, what is going on in the song?
What do you think the underlying meaning/message of the song is?
What details lead you to that message?
If you were to turn that into an essay, the answers to those questions would make up your body paragraphs.
"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. “Hurt” is perhaps the most honest expression of what it really means to be human. It 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.
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.
The use of 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.
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.
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. 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.
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."
Essay Assignment: Music Lyrics Analysis English 1301- Music Analysis Essay
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.
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).
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.
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. This basically takes the message and shows how it can be applied to society today.
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:
Introduction: 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.
Questions to contemplate: 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?
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 3-4 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:
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.
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.
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. “Imagine” by John Lennon
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
2. “Landslide” by Fleetwood Mac
I took my love, I took it down
Climbed a mountain and I turned around
I saw my reflection in the snow covered hills
till the landslide brought me down
Oh, mirror in the sky
What is love
Can the child within my heart rise above
Can I sail thru the changing ocean tides
Can I handle the seasons of my life
Well, Ive been afraid of changing
cause Ive built my life around you
But time makes you bolder
Children get older
Im getting older too
Oh, take my love, take it down
Climb a mountain and turn around
If you see my reflection in the snow covered hills
Well the landslide will bring it down
If you see my reflection in the snow covered hills
Well maybe the landslide will bring it down
3. “Jeremy” by Pearl Jam
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.
4. “When Doves Cry” by Prince
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)
5. “Butterfly Fly Away” by Miley Cyrus
You tucked me in, turned out the light
Kept me safe and sound at night
Little girls depend on things like that
Brushed my teeth and combed my hair
Had to drive me everywhere
You were always there when I looked back
You had to do it all alone
Make a living,make a home
Must have been as hard as it could be
And when I couldn't sleep at night
Scared things wouldn't turn out right
You would hold my hand and sing to me
Caterpillar in the tree
How you wonder who you'll be
Can't go far but you can always dream
Wish you may and wish you might
Don't you worry,hold on tight
I promise you there will come a day
Butterfly fly away
Butterfly fly away(Butterfly fly away)
Got your wings,now you can't stay
Take those dreams and make them all come true
Butterfly fly away(Butterfly fly away)
You've been waiting for this day
All along you know just what to do
Butterfly,Butterfly,Butterfly
Butterfly fly away
6. "Funhouse" by Pink lyrics
Songwriters: Harry, Jimmy; Kanal, Tony; Moore, Alecia; 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
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
I'm crawling through the doggy door
My key don't fit my life 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, do, do, do
Do, do, do, do, do, do, do
Do, do, do, do, do, do, do
Do, do, do, do, da, da, da, da
Do, do, do, do, do, do, do
(9, 8)
Do, do, do, do, do, do, do
(7, 6)
Do, do, do, do, do, do, do
(5, 4, 3)
Do, do, do, do, do, do, do
(2, 1)
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
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
7. “Minority” by Green Day
chorus)
i want to be the minority
i dont need your authority
down with the moral majority
'cause i want to be the minority
i pledge allegiance to the underworld
one nation under dog
there of which i stand alone
a face in the crowd
unsung, against the mold
without a doubt,
singled out
the only way i know
*chorus*
stepped out of the line
like a sheep runs from the herd
marching out of time
to my own beat now
the only way i know
one light, one mind
flashing in the dark
blinded by silence of a thousand broken hearts
"for cryin out loud" she screamed unto me
a free for all
fuck 'em all
"you are your own sight"
*chorus*
8. “We Shall Be Free” by Garth Brooks
When the last child cries for a crust of bread,
When the last man dies for just words that he said,
When there's shelter over the poorest head,
We shall be free,
When the last thing we notice is the color of skin,
And the first thing we look for is the beauty within,
When the skies and the oceans are clean again,
Then we shall be free,
We shall be free,
We shall be free,
So stand straight,
Walk proud,
'Cause we shall be free,
When we're free to love anyone we choose,
When this worlds big enough for all different views,
When we're all free to worship from our own kind of pew,
Then we shall be free,
We shall be free,
We shall be free,
Have a little faith,
Hold out,
'Cause we shall be free,
And when money talks for the very last time,
And nobody walks a step behind,
When there's only one race and that's mankind,
Then we shall be free,
We shall be free,
Listen to what I'm saying to you,
We shall be free,
Cause every night and day I pray it's true,
Together,
Forever,
We shall be free,
We shall be free,
We shall be free,
Stand straight,
Have a little faith,
Walk proud,
Hold out,
We shall be free,
Listen to what I'm sayin' to you,
We shall be free,
Every night and day I pray it's true,
Together,
Forever,
We shall be free,
9. “Little Boxes” by Malvina Reynolds
1. Little boxes on the hillside,
Little boxes made of ticky-tacky,
Little boxes, little boxes,
Little boxes, all the same.
There's a green one and a pink one
And a blue one and a yellow one
And they're all made out of ticky-tacky
And they all look just the same.
2. And the people in the houses
All go to the university,
And they all get put in boxes,
Little boxes, all the same.
And there's doctors and there's lawyers
And business executives,
And they're all made out of ticky-tacky
And they all look just the same.
3. And they all play on the golf-course,
And drink their Martini dry,
And they all have pretty children,
And the children go to school.
And the children go to summer camp
And then to the university,
And they all get put in boxes
And they all come out the same.
4. And the boys go into business,
And marry, and raise a family,
And they all get put in boxes,
Little boxes, all the same.
There's a green one and a pink one
And a blue one and a yellow one
And they're all made out of ticky-tacky
And they all look just the same
10. "Man That You Fear" by Marilyn Manson
Man That You Fear lyrics
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
11. "Fake Plastic Trees" by Radiohead
"Fake Plastic Trees"
Her green plastic watering can
For her fake Chinese rubber plant
In the fake plastic earth
That she bought from a rubber man
In a town full of rubber plans
To get rid of itself
It wears her out, it wears her out
It wears her out, it wears her out
She lives with a broken man
A cracked polystyrene man
Who just crumbles and burns
He used to do surgery
For girls in the eighties
But gravity always wins
It wears him out, it wears him out
It wears him out, it wears him out
She looks like the real thing
She tastes like the real thing
My fake plastic love
But I can't help the feeling
I could blow through the ceiling
If I just turn and run
It wears me out, it wears me out
It wears me out, it wears me out
If I could be who you wanted
If I could be who you wanted all the time
All the time...
All the time...
12. "The Perfect Drug" by Nine Inch Nails
The Perfect Drug lyrics
I got my head but my head is unraveling
cant keep control can't keep track of where it's traveling
I got my heart but my heart's no good
and you're the only one that's understood
I come along but I don't know where you're taking me
I shouldn't go but you're wrenching dragging shaking me
turn off the sun pull the stars from the sky
the more I give to you the more I die
and I want you
you are the perfect drug
the perfect drug
the perfect drug
the perfect drug
you make me hard when i'm all soft inside
I see the truth when i'm all stupid-eyed
the arrow goes straight through my heart
without you everything just falls apart
my blood wants to say hello to you
my fears want to get inside of you
my soul is so afraid to realize
how very little there is left of me
take me with you
without you everything falls apart
it's not as much fun to pick up the pieces
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 the prevailing 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.
