Teacher Resource: Suggested Answers: My Way Frank Sinatra

1) Go through the lyrics and annotate all

of the language forms and features
used.
To be checked as a class.
2) In line two a metaphor is used. What
does the metaphor suggest about the
game of life and/or its ending?
Curtain = connotations of death
Final Curtain = The last act in a
show symbolising life is all a
performance or an act. How we
perform depends upon the
amount of accolades we receive.
3) Go through and find AT LEAST two other metaphors. Why have these metaphors been
used?
Ive travelled each and every highway To show vast life experience. He has
experienced all life has to offer
When I bit off more than I could chew to indicate that life is full of challenges
and that the persona has embraced the challenges of life.
Ive planned each chartered course /each careful step along the byway charted
course = his lifes journey (reference to travel in a literal and metaphorical sense).
Indicates a sense of control in the game.
Id eat it up and spit it out to indicate that he is fearless and has let no challenge
overcome him.
Not the words of one who kneels to indicate that those who are not true to
themselves are weak and lowly.
4) What do they suggest about our experiences in life?
That is challenging, but rewarding. They indicate a sense a fearlessness, power and
control
5) Explain the effect of the use of first person throughout the song.
Gives credence as it is someones first-hand experience
6) Find THREE other techniques in the song and explain how and why they help to develop a
sense of self determination.
Repetition: of Did it my way reinforces personas power and authority
Rhetorical Question hypothora. What is a Man? What has he got?/If not himself, then
he has naught. Juxtaposition between the composers rich and full life and those who
are meek and followers.
Chiasmus Regrets Ive had a few/But then again, too few to mention indicates
that by living life on your terms you will have few regrets. Goes with the adage You only
regret the things you didnt do.
7) Find examples of juxtaposition and paradox in the song. What is the effect of these
examples? What do they suggest about the Game of Life?

Regrets Ive had a few/But then again, too few to mention indicates that by
living life on your terms you will have few regrets. Goes with the adage You only
regret the things you didnt do.
Ive live, Ive, laughed, Ive cried. demonstrates a range of life experiences. The
Game of Life is highly emotional.
Bit off more than I could chew /When there was doubt/Id eat it up and spit it
out - That internal strength allows one to play on despite the obstacles and
become stronger.
8) How would you describe the voice in the song? Give evidence to support your answer.
Authoritative, content/satisfied. My way use of strong adjectives and verbs, First
person.
9) In his film, Spielberg promotes the idea that challenging the rules and conventions of the
Game of Life can bring about ones downfall. Is this idea confirmed or challenged in My
Way? Give reasons for your response.
Challenged. It is shown that by doing things your own way and acting with personal
integrity you are the ultimate winner.