Love Story

The Scarlet Letter is not only a famous piece of literature, but it is quoted in mainstream media today as well. Someone could use the comparison of someone of something being forbidden, or sinful, just like Hester's actions in the book.

Taylor Swift's "Love Story" references two famous writings. One is obvious, Romeo and Juliet. There is a line in the song Love Story by Taylor Swift, where she says, "'Cause you were Romeo I was a scarlet letter and my daddy said stay away from Juliet, but you were everything of me I was begging you please don't go", and here, she is referencing the Scarlet Letter.

In my opinion, Taylor Swift is not technically telling us that she committed adultery, but she is saying that just like Hester, she is basically off limits to everyone, and almost everything. Swift is off limits in the song, because of her father, and just like the play, because of her social status.

Also, Hester is very ashamed, and constantly judged by her town, because of the "A" on her chest, just as the narrator of the song is being judged by "Romeo's" family.

When I first heard this song, I had not read The Scarlet Letter, and did not know what that line was a reference to. Now that I know what it means, it gives the song a much better and deeper meaning.

Comments

[Hannah G.]

A was recently talking to another one of our classmates about this line. Is Taylor Swift trying to tell the listeners about her past sins, or is she simply trying to develop her arguement about her being off limits to Romeo? This allusion confused me also.

[Zoe R.]

I haven't heard the song, but this is an interesting insight into how the scarlet letter can be a symbol for things in our own lives. And not just a symbol for our sins.

[Nichelle H.]

I have heard this song before but I have never realized that Taylor Swift refers to herself as the scarlet letter. I think this is a very interesting observation. I agree with the fact that Taylor may not literally be saying that she had committed adultery, but that she may be off limits.

[Ian E.]

Wow! Thats pretty awesome. I have even heard this song before (possibly on the radio? dont worry i don't have it on my iTunes ha) but first of all I didn't even listen to the lyrics, so I definitely did not notice this line. From the sound of it I truly thought it was just a typical boy/girl love story that was all fine and dandy like half the songs out there (the other half being break up songs ha) but it is really cool that it actually has a deeper meaning. Its actually pretty cool that an Artist like Taylor Swift put that strong of symbolism in her song. More artists should do this kind of thing because it makes it so much more interesting for the listener who really listens, like you!

[Helen K]

I'm so glad you wrote about this, because I was talking about this the other day with Hannah, and we actually had like a literary discussion about it ha. I think it must mean she is off limits, because most people have at least heard of The Scarlet Letter, and even if someone hasn't read it, most people probably know it has to do with something scandalous and unallowed. It was smart of Taylor Swift to put that in her song.

[Eric B.]

I also have listened to the song on the radio, but never really knew the meaning behind the line. However, after reading the Scarlett Letter, the song's meaning increases greatly. Before reading the novel, I thought Taylor Swift just added it into her song because it flowed and sounded good. Now I can see the comparison she makes referencing relationships and being marked.

[Taylor R.]

I have listened to that song many times before but I never paid attention to it that line. I find it really interesting that Swift used to classic love novels to describe the relationship in the song. This song also relates to Hester and Dimmsedale and their relationship, somewhat.