Reading and Writing

Eurika Nicole Beceos

11- Stem B Simplicity

Directions: Identify the development of context in the music video, Love Story by Taylor Swift. State in your
paper if it employed hypertext or intertextuality. Explain why. Do this by writing a 200-word critique of the
music video.

'Love Story' is a song by the artist Taylor Swift of which was released in 2009, the lyrics and visuals for the
song were encouraged by the classic film 'Romeo & Juliet'. Taylor Swift is a young country pop singer so is
likely to use intertextual references such as her song "Love Story" which is homage type of intertextuality
where she refers to Romeo and Juliet within the song to portray their love story of not allowing. Thus making
the aim of the music video to be a modernised version of the story, this is achieved through the lyrics of the
song. This particular intertextuality is homage as it refers to the original yet it isnt a parody instead it shows
respect towards the play. The intertextual link is to Romeo and Juliet, of which is evident through the mise-
en-scene. Taylor Swift, who portrays Juliet, is shown here waiting on her balcony in her gown as she waits for
Romeo. Suggesting she is the damsel in distress waiting for her hero. In conclusion, the purpose of Taylor
Swift selecting this intertextuality, is to portray a tragic love story of which the audience could recognise. Not
only this but it intertwines with her lyrics as they show clear links to love yet with the help of the intertextual
connection, it allows Taylor to portray her message efficiently.