Outline the subject matter
of the poem?
The
subject matter of the poem is a modern version of Shakespeare’s play ‘Romeo and
Juliet”. The song outlines young love and the struggles that young people face.
The song makes particular reference to the fact that they are using the story
of “Romeo and Juliet”. An example of this in the song us the line “'Cause you
were Romeo, I was a scarlet letter, And my daddy said stay away from Juliet.
But you were everything to me, I was begging you please don't go”, this is
making particular reference to the story line of the original play, as Romeo
and Juliet were star-crossed lovers from families that hated each other. For
example Juliet says “ My only love has sprung from my only hate.” This is reflected
throughout the song aswell.
Why is the poem entitled
“Love Story”? Use evidence from the lyrics to support the titles significance
and relevance.
The
poem is entitled “Love Story”, because it is story that they are telling us
about their love and the struggle to get it. Stories always have climax’s and plots
and are not always simple, which is a reflection of their love. The line in the
poem, “This love is difficult, but it's real, Don't be afraid, we'll make
it out of this mess, It's a love story, baby, just say yes”. This line makes
particular reference to the fact that it is a love story, but it also shows how
they recognize the story when she says, “This love is difficult, but it’s
real”.
Describe the relationship
between the two characters. Who are
they?
The
two characters are young and in love, they are slightly dramatizing their
relationship in a make believe story, however it is still reflecting their true
feelings and emotions. An example of their true love is the line in the song, “I love you
and that's all I really know”, this line shows how they don't really know what
else is happening but they do know that they love each other.
What evidence is there to
suggest that these lovers have to overcome obstacles in their relationship?
The
lovers have to overcome struggles of status and family as highlighted in the
line, “'Cause you were Romeo, I was a scarlet letter. And my daddy said
stay away from Juliet”. There are obviously some issues between their families
that are preventing them from being together as her dad tells Romeo to stay
away from her. But eventually they work out their issues when he asks her to
marry her and he says, “I talked to your dad, you'll pick out a white dress,
It's a love story, baby, just say yes”.
What themes and issues are
explored in the lyrics and through the video clip?
The
theme that is mostly explored throughout the lyrics and video is the theme of
forbidden love. The two lovers are not socially accepted together, but they
will still do anything to be with each other. “So I sneak out to the garden to
see you. We keep quiet 'cause we're dead if they knew, So close your eyes,
escape this town for a little while”, this line from the song shows how they
are hiding their relationship and how their love is forbidden, but they still
love each other enough to stay with it.
How does the “Love story”
end for Romeo and Juliet in the song? Is this how it ends for the Shakespeare’s
Romeo and Juliet? Why does Taylor Swift end her song this way? What perspective
is she writing from and why would they want the story to end this way?
“Love
Story” ends with them being together happily with all their problems resolved.
However this is unlike Shakespeare’s version where they both take their own
lives. Taylor Swift wanted to end the story this way to make it a happy story
that people would want to listen to. However she is also showing people that
things can work out and love does not always have to end tragically. She is
offering a nice contrast to Shakespeare version that people might actually
relate to.
