In our first deep dive episode, we do a deep reading of Taylor Swift’s song “Enchanted” from Speak Now (Taylor’s Version). We’re wonderstruck as we learn how to analyze a text using the rhetorical triangle to better understand who is speaking, who they are speaking to, and the purpose of the text. We find connections to “Pride and Prejudice,” “Singin’ in the Rain,” Barbie, Cinderella, college, and Greek mythology…all in one 5ish minute song. We left no lingering questions to keep us up! 

Mentioned in the episode:

“Enchanted” https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=igIfiqqVHtA

“Cinderella” https://bookshop.org/lists/episodes-1-2-songs-that-made-us-swifties

“Pride and Prejudice,” by Jane Austen https://bookshop.org/lists/episodes-1-2-songs-that-made-us-swifties

“Singin’ in the Rain,” https://bookshop.org/lists/episodes-1-2-songs-that-made-us-swifties

“Barbie,” 2023 movie, https://amzn.to/45W3klA

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Episode Highlights: 

[01:48] APTS 101: How to analyze a text

[03:15] Who is this speaker forcing laughter, and does she fit in? 

[04:56] Why “Enchanted” is “Pride and Prejudice”-coded 

[06:40] Exploring word choice to examine the time period

[10:13] How the song ruminates on a single moment and feeling

[12:56] Who is the song speaking to? A person? The Universe?

[17:02] Why “Hey Stephen” and “Enchanted” feel so different

[20:21] The words and phrases that create mystique and depth

[23:04] “Flawless,” “Forever,” and the power of hyperbole

[24:51] Our takeaways from our playful conversation 

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This podcast is neither related to nor endorsed by Taylor Swift, her companies, or record labels. All opinions are our own. Intro music produced by Scott Zadig aka Scotty Z.