Assignment

Read David Lenson's "On the Contemporary Use of Rhyme" (pp. 156-157 of the Meyer text) and focus on how these ideas can be used to analyze a piece of writing. In your essay, you must consider Lenson's ideas and analyze how these concepts are reflected in contemporary music and poetry:

Consider some of your favorite music. Select two or three contemporary songs. These can cover a range of groups or vocalists. Directly address Lenson's ideas to answer the question: Is Lenson correct in his assessment that irregular rhyme is not much used in songwriting? Why or why not?

Examine the rhymed couplets of these songs. Discuss whether or not they are used to sharpen social insight and enhance meaning for the listener. What is the effect of using rhyme in this way?

How do these songs compare to poems from our weekly readings? How do these songs and poems correlate with what Lenson is stating? Identify examples to support your point-of-view.

Be sure to be detailed and utilize terminology from the text, as you focus on works from our weekly readings and contemporary music. Analyze the rhythmic qualities of these works. This essay is an analysis that examines the possible meanings and relationships found in words and images. It is an unpacking and unfolding, or revealing of the words' meaning as the song develops this meaning from beginning to end. This is an excellent way for you to connect with words and gain a better understanding of how they function. This essay will require your thoughtful consideration of the works' main elements and your personal inference of the meaning with an eye towards uncovering the impact.