Denver University's English professor Rachel Feder has taken on the task of demystifying pop icon Taylor Swift's literary references in her music, as detailed by DU Newsroom. With a specialty in Romanticism and the Gothic, Feder teamed up with stage actress and sister-in-law Tiffany Tatreau to explore the depth of Swift's literary allusions in their co-authored book, "Taylor Swift by the Book: The Literature Behind the Lyrics, from Fairy Tales to Tortured Poets."
The book walks readers through Swift's discography, breaking it down into ten "eras" that correspond to literary movements. Noticing the intricate layers in Swift's lyrics, Feder said she was "surprised by the depth of the literary allusions she found across Swift's discography," as per DU Newsroom. The discovery formed the basis for the book, which details Swift's use of literary tropes and devices, with albums such as "Folklore" and "Evermore" corresponding to the Romantic era, while "Midnights" is tagged as Gothic, and "The Tortured Poets Department" is linked to post-modernism.
In the book, each Swift album is paired with a specific literary era and the chapters are designed to educate, featuring introductions that explain the literary concepts and then diving into song-by-song analysis. Feder and Tatreau also offer reading recommendations for fans interested in exploring further; for instance, suggesting "A Sentimental Education" by Gustave Flaubert for those who enjoy Swift's debut album. Feder said, as obtained by DU Newsroom, "This book is for the Swifties who want to take a deeper dive with her lyrics and storytelling."
During the writing process, Feder has gained newfound appreciation for albums she previously overlooked, such as "Reputation," which she now favors after viewing it through the lens of Victorian decadence. Discussing her favorite tracks, Feder praised "Marjorie" from the "Evermore" album for its archival quality and "The Albatross" on "The Tortured Poets Department" for its connections to Samuel Taylor Coleridge and Romantic literature. The evolution of understanding Swift’s music reveals the intricate balance between pop culture and academic scrutiny, offering a fresh perspective for fans and scholars alike.
