Taylor Swift wrote and performed the song “Love Story”, which was released on September 12, 2008. The lyrics of “Love Story” utilize various poetic devices to enhance the narrative. In this song, Taylor Swift makes a reference to Romeo and Juliet when expressing her love for a guy. Both stories involve forbidden love where the lovers are willing to give up everything just to be together. Taylor Swift reflects on a similar situation in her own life where she was advised against seeing the man she loved. Therefore, in her song, she draws a comparison between her personal experience and that of Romeo and Juliet.
In her song “Love Story,” Swift incorporates metaphors to convey her emotions and thoughts. She compares herself to a scarlet letter, using the line “Cause you were Romeo, I was a scarlet letter.” This metaphor highlights the similarity between her situation and the story of Romeo and Juliet, both involving tales of true love mixed with misfortune. Another metaphor in the song is expressed when Swift sings, “That you were Romeo, you were throwing pebbles.” She utilizes this metaphor to equate the man she loves to Romeo, emphasizing his efforts to gain her attention and affection.
Another poetic device utilized by Taylor Swift is imagery. She paints a picture of her encounter with the man she loves, reminiscing about the “lights… the party, the ball gowns” and witnessing him “make your way through the crowd and say hello.” Additionally, in the song’s climax, when he proposes, she vividly describes how “He knelt to the ground and pulled out a ring.” Through the use of descriptive language, Swift effectively stimulates the listener’s imagination and connects with those who have experienced similar situations. In conclusion, Taylor Swift’s skillful incorporation of poetic devices enhances the lyrics of “Love Story.”
