I have to do an essay on 'Explode'

[Ian]

I have to do a Critical analysis on a song that has great meaning for english, so i chose explode

so basically we have to say what the song is about, what can be said about songwriters style, and what for does the text take...
i know what the song is about, but what can i say about nellys style, its fresh and deep, anything else? haha, anyone know what form does the text of 'Explode' take?
Thankies

[peewee]

I think you will have to elaborate on "what form...the text of 'Explode' take[s]." "Form" is such a general word and unless anyone else is specifically studying how to critically analyse songs, you might have to give us some examples of these forms or the full explanation of the task. I'm sure people will be able to help though.

[Ian]

ooh okay

ermm all it says on the sheet is
3. What form does the text take?
- identify genre
- consider organization patterns for poetry
- examine writing structure ( exposition, narration, description)
- discuss unity of thought, expression, choerence and emphasis

[alexiel]

so, basically you need to take a formalist's approach to "explode"?

i got an A- in theory of criticism @ SMU, let me see what i can dig up...

Formalist criticism An approach to litreature that focuses on the formal elements of a work, such as its language, structure, and tone. Formalist critics offer intense examinations of the relationship between form and meaning in a work, emphasizing the subtle complexity in how a work is arranged. Formalists pay special attention to diction, irony, paradox, metaphor, and symbol, as well as larger elements such as plot, characterization, and narrative technique. Formalist critics read litreature as an independent work of art rather than as a reflection of the author's state of mind or as a representation of a moment in history. Therefore, anything outside of the work, including historical influences and authorial intent, is generally not examined by formalist critics. See also new criticism. For exercises on formalist criticism, go to the VirtuaLit Interactive Poetry Tutorial and the VirtuaLit Interactive Fiction Tutorial.

http://bcs.bedfordstmartins.com/litg...itgloss_f.html

i am quite certain when your teacher asks "form" they mean the formalist approach, which emphasizes meaning found in the work and not outside of it. basically, outside references such as nelly's life, ethnicity, social standing, etc.. would not come into play when trying to decipher the song's "meaning". you need to look at the song independently from nelly. the song exists on its own.

maybe i am just confusing you more? if you want, you can add me to your msn and i can give you a more precise explanation. i am an honors english grad, so i may be of some help...