Notes

Taylor Swift's latest album, *The Tortured Poets Department*, is rich with literary allusions that add depth to her storytelling. Here's a comprehensive analysis of each track and its references to literary classics:

1. **"The Tortured Poets Department"**
- **Dylan Thomas and Patti Smith**: Swift juxtaposes herself and a former lover with these iconic figures, suggesting their relationship lacked the profound artistry associated with Thomas and Smith.

2. **"So Long, London"**
- **F. Scott Fitzgerald's *The Great Gatsby***: The lyric "I saw, in my mind, ferry lights through the mist" evokes the image of the green light across the bay, symbolizing unattainable dreams.
- **Shakespeare's *Macbeth***: The line "How much sad did you think I had" mirrors Lady Macbeth's reflection on guilt and tragedy.

3. **"loml"**
- **Patti Smith's *Just Kids***: The phrase "We were just kids" nods to Smith's memoir, highlighting youthful romance and artistic exploration.

4. **"My Boy Only Breaks His Favorite Toys"**
- **Emily Dickinson's "Wild nights – Wild nights!"**: References to "wild nights" allude to Dickinson's poem, emphasizing themes of passion and longing.

5. **"Guilty as Sin"**
- **Stephen King's *The Shining***: Mentions of a "hedge maze" recall the novel's labyrinth, symbolizing confusion and entrapment.

6. **"The Albatross"**
- **Samuel Taylor Coleridge's "The Rime of the Ancient Mariner"**: Swift likens herself to the albatross, representing a burdensome presence in a lover's life.

7. **"I Hate It Here"**
- **Frances Hodgson Burnett's *The Secret Garden***: The desire to escape to "secret gardens" references the novel, symbolizing a retreat to innocence and healing.

8. **"The Bolter"**
- **Nancy Mitford's *The Pursuit of Love***: The term "The Bolter" refers to a character known for fleeing relationships, paralleling themes of commitment and escape.

9. **"Cassandra"**
- **Greek Mythology**: The song references Cassandra, who was cursed to utter true prophecies that were never believed, reflecting themes of ignored warnings and foresight.

These allusions enrich Swift's lyrics, inviting listeners to delve into the literary connections that shape her narratives. ,,,

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