The crossover between TTPD and Spare didn’t cross my mind until I saw your headline come through and went “OMG, YES.” You’re absolutely right, of course.
I’m amazed at your speed of writing - the Anthology just came out 13 hours ago! - and the depth of commentary here. Thank you for publishing!
The Tortured Poets Department is a concept album based on the life of Sylvia Plath & Ted Hughes. Naturally Swift weaves in her own experiences (even specific details) but ultimately the songs are not about Swift's ex's individually or in sum total, the arc of the album is Plath's life. If you truly want to understand this album you'll need to read Plath & Hughes. Swift's mastery is not singularly for music, but encompasses poetry and literature as well. The song "Robin" may also be about Robin Williams (in addition to referencing her collaborator’s son Robin, and other meanings including her singing this to her younger self), another tortured artist who lived with depression, the song weaves in titles, themes, imagery from his movies. It's likely most of the songs have hidden meanings about other "tortured poets". These songs are so richly layered with different meanings, and this technique is called "braiding" or "weaving" (all the braids in her hair). FYI Ted Hughes wrote a poem titled "Red", it's possible this (Plath/Hughes) arc covers the majority of her body of work going back several albums. TTPD is an album for erudite literature and mystery lovers, we may never uncover all her brilliance. It’s also possible that on May 3 we will get 9 more songs (or something) because Plath left TWO things when she died (she committed suicide), 40 poems and a manuscript. 😉
(No, I am not a “Swiftie”, I started listening to 1989, I’m 13 years older than her and prior to this album never engaged with any of her easter eggs. I’m just a nerd who loves to read including poetry.)
Excuse me Amanda, that was so good! The AP would eat this up if it were to circulate...
The crossover between TTPD and Spare didn’t cross my mind until I saw your headline come through and went “OMG, YES.” You’re absolutely right, of course.
I’m amazed at your speed of writing - the Anthology just came out 13 hours ago! - and the depth of commentary here. Thank you for publishing!
Thank you! 😊 Stream of consciousness is my best friend
Yay! Happy futures for everybody!
Very interesting comparison!
Oh I LOVE this analysis! I’m really loving TTPD and you’ve hit on a resonant and poignant reason why. Thanks for such a great piece!
The Tortured Poets Department is a concept album based on the life of Sylvia Plath & Ted Hughes. Naturally Swift weaves in her own experiences (even specific details) but ultimately the songs are not about Swift's ex's individually or in sum total, the arc of the album is Plath's life. If you truly want to understand this album you'll need to read Plath & Hughes. Swift's mastery is not singularly for music, but encompasses poetry and literature as well. The song "Robin" may also be about Robin Williams (in addition to referencing her collaborator’s son Robin, and other meanings including her singing this to her younger self), another tortured artist who lived with depression, the song weaves in titles, themes, imagery from his movies. It's likely most of the songs have hidden meanings about other "tortured poets". These songs are so richly layered with different meanings, and this technique is called "braiding" or "weaving" (all the braids in her hair). FYI Ted Hughes wrote a poem titled "Red", it's possible this (Plath/Hughes) arc covers the majority of her body of work going back several albums. TTPD is an album for erudite literature and mystery lovers, we may never uncover all her brilliance. It’s also possible that on May 3 we will get 9 more songs (or something) because Plath left TWO things when she died (she committed suicide), 40 poems and a manuscript. 😉
(No, I am not a “Swiftie”, I started listening to 1989, I’m 13 years older than her and prior to this album never engaged with any of her easter eggs. I’m just a nerd who loves to read including poetry.)