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3: "The Fate of Ophelia"— love story or origin story?
In this episode, we dive into “The Fate of Ophelia” — dramatic chapter one of Taylor Swift’s concept album.
At first listen, it might sound like a classic love story — a damsel saved by her hero. But if you read this song as part one of the larger narrative, it’s the inciting incident — the spark that sets off the showgirl’s rise to stardom and the struggles that follow.
Dig a little deeper, and you find Shakespearean irony, unreliable narration, and a chilling meditation on power, self-abandonment, and the price of being “rescued.”
From iambic pentameter and Dorian chords to Hamlet’s original Ophelia, we unpack how Taylor transforms an archetype into a cautionary tale about loyalty, fame, and lost agency.
Plus: a writing prompt at the end to help you reimagine your own modern-day myth.
_______________________________________
Get all the writing prompts in one place, updated along with each episode: www.maraeller.com/prompts.
Join me for Write Like Taylor Swift: a 90-minute immersive workshop to help you write like a poet, think like a storyteller, and play with words like a literary genius.
_______________________________________
Come join the discussion!
TikTok
Threads
_______________________________________
You can find more of my personal writing and writing tips on Substack.
And visit my website to learn more about my editing, book coaching, and upcoming courses.
View all episodes
By Mara EllerIn this episode, we dive into “The Fate of Ophelia” — dramatic chapter one of Taylor Swift’s concept album.
At first listen, it might sound like a classic love story — a damsel saved by her hero. But if you read this song as part one of the larger narrative, it’s the inciting incident — the spark that sets off the showgirl’s rise to stardom and the struggles that follow.
Dig a little deeper, and you find Shakespearean irony, unreliable narration, and a chilling meditation on power, self-abandonment, and the price of being “rescued.”
From iambic pentameter and Dorian chords to Hamlet’s original Ophelia, we unpack how Taylor transforms an archetype into a cautionary tale about loyalty, fame, and lost agency.
Plus: a writing prompt at the end to help you reimagine your own modern-day myth.
_______________________________________
Get all the writing prompts in one place, updated along with each episode: www.maraeller.com/prompts.
Join me for Write Like Taylor Swift: a 90-minute immersive workshop to help you write like a poet, think like a storyteller, and play with words like a literary genius.
_______________________________________
Come join the discussion!
TikTok
Threads
_______________________________________
You can find more of my personal writing and writing tips on Substack.
And visit my website to learn more about my editing, book coaching, and upcoming courses.