Seeing | Taylor Swift Scholar

Saint Stephen I just wrote you a paean: Signifier and signified in Hey Stephen

Swift, a philosopher of language, explores the relationship between a name and what it signifies by fully exploring the meaning of 'Stephen'

Swift's Theology of Noise Music in Our Song

In Our Song, noted music theorist Taylor Swift grapples with the question “What is Music?”

Should've Said Know: Swift's Socratic Masterpiece

Swift, a Platonic philosopher, transforms a story of infidelity into a brilliant illustration of the Socratic idea that Virtue = Knowledge.

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Baby I’m a Firework: Illuminating Abusive Tactics in Dear John

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

Hurt So Good: The Pain and Pleasure of Desire in Sparks Fly

In this literary analysis of Sparks Fly, Taylor Swift Scholar explores how Swift's thoughts about desire have evolved since her first album.

Light’s Out: Astrothesia of the Self in We Were Happy

In We Were Happy, Swift reflects with sadness on what it means to play the role of a setting sun in someone else's life.

Shall I Compare Thee to a Superstar: Astrothesia in Taylor Swift

In the tradition of great sonneteers, Swift poetically indulges in her yearning for an unattainable love interest she has put on a pedestal.

I Remember it All Too Well: Eyewitness Testimony in Forever & Always

In Forever & Always, Swift begins to explore a theme that she will perfect in her magnum opus All Too Well.

She says how she feels, I say nothing: Communication styles in You Belong with Me

Swift’s tour de force You Belong with Me repurposes and perfects themes that she excavated earlier in her oeuvre.

A Perfectly Good Heart: Heartbreak or Brainbreak?

Through A Perfectly Good Heart, Swift thus illustrates how the human body is altered at the end of a relationship.

See the Light : Love as Mutual Sight in Invisible

In Invisible Swift thus reemphasizes the point she made in I’m Only Me When I’m With You. Love, like friendship, is knowing and being known.

Look but don't See: Teardrops on my Guitar

The Basics: Taylor Swift is in love with Drew. Drew doesn’t know how Taylor Swift feels and tells her about his beautiful girlfriend....

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