Short-Short Essay on Stones Lyrics

As was mentioned during discussion of Chuck Berry's lyrics, any artistic work is both a source and a product of cultural knowledge. The culturalist approach—which also takes into account how a work is packaged, sold, and consumed—is one way, among many, of studying poetry.

Instructions

Carefully read and re-read the assigned selection of Stones lyrics (see links on our online schedule). Then, in groups of three or four, write a collaborative two-to-three page essay in which you analyze these lyrics as protest or social awareness poems. What social practices, beliefs, or institutions do these poems protest, resist, or otherwise spotlight? What specific social issues are being examined? In what ways do these poems "raise awareness"?

Try to formulate a succinct thesis (central claim), supported by plenty of specific detailand quotations from the lyrics themselves. (Back up assertions you make with evidence from the lyrics themselves.) Focus and organize as best as you can, given the time constraints.

It would likely help to make a quick outline first, then divide up the segments among your group members. Or, because this is so short, you might just write it entirely together.

Alternative Approach

As an alternative to the above, you might "diagnose contemporary society" using these lyrics as your stethoscope. In other words, what do these poems by Jagger and Richards reveal about life in Western culture in the mid-60s? In what ways is that culture ailing, and in what ways can it be considered healthy? What sorts of important social changes do the lyrics reveal, and what seems to the lyricists' view of those changes from song to song?

For both approaches above, consider questions about gender roles, family dynamics, our relationships to government and other social institutions, middle-class practices and moral standards, the cultural center and the cultural margins, and so on. Try as well to touch on any formal qualities of the poems which contribute to their effectiveness. What formal strategies or devices are being used? And, finally, keep in mind that you don't need to thoroughly analyze every one of the lyrics; focus on maybe two to four in particular, with general comments about all.

Aims

To practice examining poems from a primarily culturalist perspective, and to practive writing skills generally.

Evaluation Criteria

Your essay should have a title and a clear thesis regarding the lyrics you've examined. That thesis should be supported with clear claims, quotations, paraphrases, and specific details from the lyrics. Be sure your thesis is evident and consistent throughout. Organize your thoughts, provide focused paragraphs with helpful transitions, and edit your sentences for clarity, concision, and conventional correctness.

Type and double-space your essay, using standard MLA manuscript format. To review format guidelines, click here. (Go to the orange "Humanities" line, hover your pointer over "Documenting Sources," and select "MLA Manuscript Format."

Group Dynamics

  • Exchange phone numbers and email addresses.
  • Determine who will type or hand-write the final copy. Pick a point person and/or secretary?
  • Everyone's responsible for editing and proofing the final drafts.
  • Work together. Speak up. Assert yourself. Show respect for the other guy.
  • If there are problems, first try to address them yourself by communicating openly but courteously with each other. If that fails, see instructor.

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