In literature and popular culture, ghosts generally linger because they have unfinished business from their lives.

As in Never Grow Up, time in Innocent is a double-edged sword. Although growing up is terrible, it also provides healing and growth.

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

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

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

The Story of Us continues Swift’s exploration of literary themes in her romantic relationships – beginning with Love Story and White Horse.

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

John relied upon darkness to cover up his misdeeds. Swift becomes a radiant source of light, illuminating not just herself, but a whole town

Taylor Swift uses Speak Now to specifically consider the consequences of not speaking – situations where silence is an action.

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