Unraveling Taylor Swift’s Love Story: A Formalistic Analysis

Abstract

Like in structure and themes, song lyrics and literature share the elements of rhythm, melody, and harmony, mirroring the flow of language in literature. This allows both forms to tell stories, evoke emotions, and inspire audiences. A songwriter's biographical background, much like an author's, enhances the appreciation of their work. Using Formalistic Criticism, this research analyzes Taylor Swift's "Love Story." Results reveal literary devices like flashback, anaphora, metaphor, foreshadowing, allusion, colloquialism, situational irony, and the use of visual, auditory, and tactile imagery. Ultimately, this research uncovers Swift's artistry and personal evolution, showcasing the song's powerful imagery, literary devices, and narrative structure.