You go talk to your friends, talk to my friends, talk to me. Let’s get ready for "The Tortured Poets Department" and explore the concept of poetic repetition in Taylor Swift's songs. From understanding epizeuxis and anaphora to seeing how Taylor uses these devices in “We Are Never Ever Getting Back Together”’ “Shake It Off” and “This Love,” we discuss how repetition can seem deceptively simple while still communicating a clear message. Understanding the purpose of any text can help enrich your experience of that art, and this week’s episode helps us understand the power of some of Taylor’s less complicated lyrics. Tune into this week’s conversation to see why simplicity can be powerful, and perhaps we may even convince you to appreciate a song you don’t necessarily want to listen to on repeat. 

Note: This episode was recorded before the "The Tortured Poets Department" announcement. We hope it helps us all prepare for the album!

Helpful definitions:

Epizeuxis (a.k.a. palilogia) - the immediate repetition of a word or phrase for rhetorical or poetic effect. For example, "the children squealed with glee, with glee” or “Shake it off, shake it off”

Anaphora - repetition of a word or expression at the beginning of successive phrases, clauses, sentences, or verses especially for rhetorical or poetic effect. For example, Lincoln's "we cannot dedicate—we cannot consecrate—we cannot hallow—this ground.” OR “Please don’t be in love with someone else, please don’t have somebody waiting on you.” 

Epistrophe - repetition of a word or expression at the end of successive phrases, clauses, sentences, or verses especially for rhetorical or poetic effect. For example, Lincoln's "of the people, by the people, for the people.” or “And it was enchanting to meet you / All I can say is it was enchanting to meet you” 

Mentioned in this episode: 

Tale of Two Cities by Charles Dickens

King Lear by William Shakespeare

Walden by Thoreau 

Macbeth by William Shakespeare

Mean Girls 

Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire by J.K. Rowling

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Episode Highlights: 

[01:25] Introduction to Poetic Repetition

[06:43] “We Are Never Ever Getting Back Together,” Red (Taylor’s Version)

[22:00] “Shake It Off,” 1989 (Taylor’s Version)

[40:45] “This Love,” 1989 (Taylor’s Version)

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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.