Speak Now | Taylor Swift Scholar

Saint Stephen I just wrote you a paean: Signifier and signified in Hey Stephen

Swift, a philosopher of language, explores the relationship between a name and what it signifies by fully exploring the meaning of 'Stephen'

Swift's Theology of Noise Music in Our Song

In Our Song, noted music theorist Taylor Swift grapples with the question “What is Music?”

Should've Said Know: Swift's Socratic Masterpiece

Swift, a Platonic philosopher, transforms a story of infidelity into a brilliant illustration of the Socratic idea that Virtue = Knowledge.

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There is Nothing Achilles Does Better Than Revenge: The Iliad (Taylor's Version)

Better Than Revenge is Swift’s Iliad – a feminine recasting of the timeless tale of besmirched honor.

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Wordless Magic: Implication and Inference in Enchanted

Swift read a lot into eye contact and a quick conversation – in her mind, she decoded the message embedded in a light-hearted conversation.

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The Lost Boys Chapter of Her Life: Fear of Aging in Never Grow Up

Our chronophobic prophetess Taylor Swift informs a baby that her life is only going to get worse from here.

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Ruining Regina George’s Life Didn’t Make Me Any Happier: Taylor Swift’s Cautionary Tale of Becoming Mean

Like quintessential revenge heroes Hamlet or Cady Heron, Swift leaves a wake of destruction behind her when she attempts to become mean.

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The Allegory of the Rose: Linear and Cyclical Time in Back to December

In Back To December, Taylor Swift explores decay over time.

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Hurt So Good: The Pain and Pleasure of Desire in Sparks Fly

In this literary analysis of Sparks Fly, Taylor Swift Scholar explores how Swift's thoughts about desire have evolved since her first album.

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