MLA Essay: Figurative Language in Songs
Listen again to some of your favorite songs, or begin listening to
some new songs. As you listen, search the lyrics for examples of
the literary terms defined in the “Figurative Language” file
attached to our Week Two Module: hyperbole, irony, litotes,
metaphor, metonymy, oxymoron, paradox, personification, simile,
and synecdoche. Then, select a song which you have found on your
own, which contains a metaphor, or a simile, or a hyperbole. In your
paper, print out the example of figurative language in the song, and
explain what message the figurative language is expressing, and
why this figurative language adds power to the song.
As you know, figurative language is a tool used by a writer in order
to express something which could have been said in another way. In
your paper, tell the reader why you believe the writer of the lyric
decided to use the particular example of figurative language which
he or she did. What does it add to the song? Show how, although
figurative language is absurd when understood literally, the creative
and imaginative interpretation of a figurative expression can add
strong and powerful meaning to a lyric’s message.
Be sure to begin your essay with a documented definition of the
type of figurative device about which you are writing, and use a
dictionary for this purpose. Document–in MLA format—the
dictionary definition AND the song which you analyze in your paper.
Read and study the Sample Essay attached to our Week Two
Module, which contains a student response to the assignment using
Katy Perry’s “Firework.” This sample essay serves as a great demo
for interpreting, organizing, and developing your own essay. Examine
the Essay Rubric as well, for a clear itemization of how your work will
be assessed for this assignment.
Formatting Requirements: Use MLA format. 2 pages, minimum
length, including the work cited page.
