Rhetorical Analysis of Song Lyrics (Periods 3,4,6)
We have analyzed text and visuals for rhetoric, but before we finish the nine weeks it would not be right to forget about song lyrics. Most songs impact us in some way so lets see why.
Click on the link below to read the history behind our national anthem:
Star Spangled Banner article
In class we have gone over the complete lyrics of the national anthem.
After our discussion in class and reading the article, I want you to post a comment below with your thoughts about this song. Are you surprised with what you learned?
Click on the link below to read the history behind our national anthem:
Star Spangled Banner article
In class we have gone over the complete lyrics of the national anthem.
After our discussion in class and reading the article, I want you to post a comment below with your thoughts about this song. Are you surprised with what you learned?
This comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteThe fact that the anthem was written by Francis Scott Key while the event was taking place, makes the anthem very emotional and admirable because he is describing his raw emotions just as they are happening. I’m surprised by this fact because I thought the song was written after the event had taken place.
ReplyDeleteI was surprised to learn that the star spangled banner was not the flag that flew during the battle, but was raised after the battle was won. I was also surprised to see how long the flag was able to last after sustaining so much damage and not having much special care. It was almost as if it was meant to preserved in US history.
ReplyDeleteI'm very glad that the Star-Spangled Banner has a spot at the National Museum of American History and that it's its centerpiece. Also that it is displayed in its own state-of-the-art gallery, since it was written with much sentiment and while the events were taking place, this makes it much more valuable and strong in the sense that it transmits that same feeling that was felt while writing this.
ReplyDeleteYandry Intriago
Period: 4
It was an interesting piece of our history to break down and learn the different poetic devices that were incorporated into the song, for example symbolism was used by the flag representing the people's causes and the Americans them self. When listening to the Star-Spangled Banner it gives the listener insight on how the Americans in the past viewed the fight for their freedom.
ReplyDeleteGrace Castillo
Period. 4
It was interesting to find out that an American lawyer, Francis Scott Key, wrote the "Star Spangled Banner", while aboard a ship returning back to the colonies watching the American flag, announcing their victory. I never knew who wrote the song or that it originated as a poem. After reading the article it gave me a new perspective on how to look at this national song that is glorified by Americans. I know see how it was written with such powerful emotions of a person who experienced the victory of the revolution first hand. To me, this places more of a value on the freedom we take for granted everyday.
ReplyDeleteSofia Santamarina
P.6
I found "The Story Behind the Star Spangled Banner" really interesting. I was impressed by the fact that Key wrote it while witnessing the battle of Fort McHenry take place because it gave a first-hand account of what the battle looked and felt like. Moreover, I also appreciated how the original flag that inspired Key's poem is being preserved and placed as a centerpiece at the National Museum of American History because it is a really important American symbol.
ReplyDeleteLuis Diaz
Period: 4
I never knew the Star-Spangled Banner had more than 1 verse to it. I found it interesting reading "The Story Behind the Star Spangled Banner" because although I knew overall what the Star-Spangled Banner had to do with I never really knew the full story behind it or the making of the flag. The article helped me really understand what was happening within the verses as i read through the Star-Spangled Banner.
ReplyDeleteRebecca Olsen
P.3
I was surprised to learn that the anthem was written by Francis Scott Key during the battle, which gives the anthem an emotional feel because in the "Star Spangled Banner" he is writing from what he is visualizing and feeling. Before i had thought that the song was written after the event and i was surprised that the anthem is longer than 1 verse.
ReplyDeleteAllison Ferreira
p.6
It was interesting to break down the song line by line in class and focus on its meaning. After reading the article, "The Story Behind the Star Spangled Banner", I found out a few things I hadn't know before, for example, that Francis Scott Key wrote it while the battle of Fort McHenry was taking place. It's also interesting that the original flag that inspired our nation's anthem will be displayed in the National Museum of American History. Reading the article helped me understand and appreciate the history behind the "Star-Spangled Banner."
ReplyDeleteIsabel Iglesias
P.4
In class we broke down the Star-Spangled Banner verse be verse to rhetorically analyze it. It was interesting to learn the literary devices/elements found in this historical piece. For example, Francis Scott Key chose to use a resilient tone throughout to show how even through battle the flag stood proud and we should follow by example. He also used religious diction to say God was on our side during battle. I was surprised to learn that the Star-Spangled Banner has a total of four verses instead of just the first two.
ReplyDeleteIsabella Montano
Period: 6
Although I've never heard the anthem before due to me not being from the USA, it does give off a lot of emotional feelings, after reading its origins it gives it another level of understanding as it is hard to imagine how joyous Francis Scott Key must of been when he saw such flag being raised after he lost all hope. It also is incredible that such an item has been able to be kept away from harm for such a long time even when more than 200 years have passed and has gone through so much, it is as if it was a representation of how The US has always been, although harmed at times, it keeps on surviving and doing its job, to keep us all united under one banner.
ReplyDeleteNey D'Ou
Period. 4
Before last class i had no idea that i wasn't singing the complete national anthem. I believed like many others that there was only 1 verse when in reality there are 4. I'm proud to sing it everyday in the morning because the star spangled banner shows us as Americans our determination, courage, freedom, etc. We showed how great this beautiful country is and set an example to all the other countries around the world. One thing I did learn from reading the history of the star spangled banners history is that it was during the war of 1812. It brings me great joy that the star spangled banner is now the centerpiece in the National Museum of American History.
ReplyDeleteAdrian Martinez
P.6
I found the analysis of the Star-Spangled Banner very interesting. Even though the first verse is played very often, I've never analyzed it in depth. I didn't know that he wrote the poem on a ship that was under British scrutiny. Also, I did not know that the Star-Spangled Banner was written to the tune of a popular English song. It was interesting to learn that the flag that inspired the poem is preserved in a museum. Furthermore, I learned about the rhetorical devices he used in the poem, such as diction. He uses descriptive language to illustrate how he saw the war. The article provided history and background information about the flag.
ReplyDeleteSamantha Chutkan
Period 6
I found it really interesting that "The star spangled banner", had more than just the one verse we honor every day. Francis Scott tells us about the conflict between the U.S. and Britain through a poem he wrote while the battle of Fort McHenry was taking place. The hope that is conveyed throughout this poem makes it very emotional as well. This poem is a message that together, the United States can overcome any obstacles and in order to maintain peace we must stay united.
ReplyDeleteWhat I found interesting after reading this article was that Francis Scott Key wrote down his "thoughts" on a piece of paper regarding the Battle of Baltimore. Key never intended to write the national anthem he just recorded the events of the battle in the form of a song. I also learned from the article that the original flag that inspired Key's poem will be preserved at the National Museum of American History and it will be the centerpiece, displayed in its own state-of-the-art gallery. I think preserving the flag makes this event an even bigger part of American history.
ReplyDeleteAfter reading "The Story Behind the Star Spangled Banner" i realized how little knowledge I actually had of the anthem starting by how I did not know it had 4 versus. What surprised me the most was the fact that Key did not right it after but during the moment on board the ship. So I now have a better understanding of the lyrics and why they say what they say. The actual flag is being preserved in a museum which is neat since so many years have passed and I thought the original flag was destroyed. I am happy to say my knowledge about the star spangled banner has increased tremendously.
ReplyDeleteKaterina Vazquez
Period 6
After our discussion in class and reading the article I learned that there is more than 1 verse to the anthem and that there is a story behind how the anthem originated. I was surprised to learn that Francis Scott Key witnessed the British attack on Fort McHenry during the War and wrote the poem, that would later become the anthem, at that moment. I also found it interesting
ReplyDeletethat the same flag Francis Scott Key was inspired by had survived this long and that it's now being preserved with its stains and dirt from the war and from being passed down through numerous people in history. This flag captures a piece of America's history, and i'm glad that I now know a bit more about the origins of our anthem and of the preservance of our Star- Spangled Banner.
Vanessa Perez
Period:6
After analyzing the lyrics in class it surprised me that the exact "Star Spangled Banner" had more than one verse. It seems repetitive however it does tell a story. From the war of 1812, to World War I, and up to today’s traditions, it’s had a hand in molding the modern image of America. With the Star Spangled Banner as we sing it we explore its historical significance. Through the song it showed precise emotion through Francis Scott Key's choice of wording and its vivid use of imagery words made it seem as I could remember it.
ReplyDeleteThe Star Spangled Banner reminds us how hard we've fought to get to this point of present time.
Pedro Gonzalez
Period 6
The fact that our national anthem was writing by a man under the control of the British at the time is truly amazing. It shows that we will never succumb to anyone. Also, the flags longevity is truly astonishing taken the fact that it was not being carefully cared for many years and it had many pieces cut off. This national symbol surviving for so long represents Americans' strong will to persevere and that we will never give up.
ReplyDeleteMelissa Suarez
Period: 4
I was surprised to find out that the star spangled banner has more than one verse. I was also suprised when I learned that Francis Scott Key was under British control when he wrote the anthem. This makes the anthem even more inspiring and beautiful. The anthem allows US citizens to unite under a proud national identity. I also love that the flag that inspired the song can still be seen, it must be a truly beautiful site.
ReplyDeleteVanessa Gonzalez
Period 3
Analyzing Francis Scott Key's "Star-Spangled Banner" proved be an opportunity to learn about and discuss our anthem. Of the things that the lecture in class touched upon, the most interesting was that the song told of a narrative that many Americans, as they only know the first verse, do not know. A narrative of insecurity surrounding the newly formed nation, war , and eventually victory. Although it was created during the War of 1812 and wasn't used as the national anthem until the 1930's, it perfectly encapsulates the American spirit.
ReplyDeleteVictor Mendez
Period 3
When rhetorically analyzing “The Star-Spangled Banner” it was the first time I realized the song was more than just the first verse. I was also surprised to discover it was not written until 1814 so long after the United States became an independent nation. It was also very interesting that it describes a first hand account of a battle during the war of 1812. Francis Scott Key uses emotion and descriptive diction throughout the song to communicate what he is seeing and feeling. The American ideals of bravery, freedom and strength are clearly brought out b the message of the song. “The Star-Spangled Banner” embodies the true strength of United States as a nation.
ReplyDeleteRegla Jorge
Period 6
I was surprised to learn that Francis Scott Key was not actually part of the battle that takes place during the "Star Bangled Banner", but watching it from afar from British ship of all places. This stood out to me because he wrote a song about defeating the British and resisting their tyranny while he was being held by the British which is very ironic. I was also surprised to learn that the flag that flew during the battle and that Scott Key wrote about is not the flag that is currently preserved in the Smithsonian.
ReplyDeleteWhat surprised me the most was that the flag was set after the battle was won. The way Key writes makes it seem as if the flag is what kept them going in the battle to later win. I also didn't know that Key went with other people on a ship to rescue a prisoner, I had only known that he wrote the poem while in a cell watching over the battle. It's surprising also that to this day we use the same poem written over 200 years ago as our national song
ReplyDeletep.6 Matthew Mckeever
DeleteI was surprised to find out that the song was written during the War of 1812 and not during the American Revolution in which America was already free from British rule. Just the thought that Francis Key Scott wrote the song describing the war while it was happening shows the emotions he felt and is very important to American history. It shows how much the Americans had to fight for the liberties we have today which makes the Star Spangled Banner a sign of liberty and prosperity and is why the flag of the country during the war is in a special place in the Smithsonian.
ReplyDeleteFabrizio Rojas
P. 6
What was appealing to me is how Francis Scott Key was composing the National Anthem as the war was happening. It is amusing how Francis was able to capture all the different stages of the war in his musical composition until victory. It is as if he had predicted the outcome of the war, almost knowing that the colonist were going to be victorious in the war. What was also fascinating in my opinion is how long the flag has lasted since the war and how it can be seen today in the Smithsonian years later. This activity helped me have a better understanding of the National Anthem and the content within it.
ReplyDeleteGeam Alvarez P.3
DeleteI found it interesting to learn that the Star-Spangled Banner had more than 1 verse to it. It was also interesting to read "The Story Behind the Star Spangled Banner" because although I knew what the Star-Spangled Banner had to do with, I never fully knew the story behind it or why the flag was made. The article helped me understand the meaning behind the Star Spangled Banner.
ReplyDeleteAdriana Coto
P. 3
After analyzing the "Star Spangled Banner" in class, I was surprised to discover that the song has more than 1 verse. I was also surprised to learn that Francis Scott Key was not fighting in the war, but was captive by the British while writing the anthem. It is also very interesting to know that the flag that is preserved in the National Museum of American History, is the original flag that rose in sign of victory against the British.
ReplyDeleteKaren Gomez
Period 3
After reading about the "Star Spangled Banner" written by poet Francis Scott Key I found it interesting because of the story behind it. We sing it before every game/ event and we never really understand the meaning of it so that was interesting. The poem was written during the war of 1812 and not the American Revolution which is commonly mistaken. After learning about the poem I noticed how it focused on the victory of the new nation and the battle it went through and the patriotism that followed the war.
ReplyDeleteFabian Perez Period:6
After analyzing and singing the full version of the national anthem, I have learned that it is a story. It tells the tale of the American Revolution through they eyes of a Patriot. The words and expressions used within the lyrics convey such vivid images and transports you to a battle. After all the years I have sung the anthem, never have I even considered to understand or comprehend the lyrics. I had never known it was about the American Revolution until we had analyzed it in class.
ReplyDelete- Amanda Rabade Period 3
After analyzing the "Star Spangled Banner" and reading the article, I was amazed by the fact that it has more than one verse since we've never been exposed to the remainder of the song, and the fact that the flag was flown after the war was won and not during it. The song perfectly illustrates why the flag such an important piece of American history, and it's amazing that it's still being preserved to this day. I appreciate the song more now that I know the true meaning of the song.
ReplyDelete-Anh-Tram Dang Per.3
I was very surprised to see how the star-spangled banner that we all know and love is much more than just one verse! There is so much more to the song that exemplifies the freedom and victory of our country. We often forget what America had to go through in order to fight for the rights we have today as in independent country. After our discussion in class and analyzing the song, i know now why it was written that way..from beginning to end(when we got back our happiness).
ReplyDelete-carolina vargas (period:3)
Each paragraph took me through a different part of the war. I went through questioning whether the war was over to feeling victorious over the British and then to feeling proud to be an American free of the British. This anthem brought out very patriotic feeling in me and made me realize why America still stands strongly today and what its values are. I can understand why we sing it before events now: to make us feel the same pride and appreciation we did when we won the war.
ReplyDelete-Sam Tiktin, Period 4
After analyzing the star spangled banner I learned a lot more about it. This is because, I never really thought in Depth about what the words meant. I was also completely oblivious to the fact that there was more than one verse to the star spangled banner, which completely shocked me. What I also loved about analyzing this in class was that, there were somethings I never would've picked up on, that you and other class members pointed out. The question mark, the exclamation point, and the period after "the land of the free and the home of the brave" was something I feel like I never would've looked into. I never would've put together, that in the beginning they were unsure of who was going to win the war, then with the exclamation point they were hopeful and confident, and lastly with the period they were victorious and that the war was finally over.I feel like by analyzing the star spangled banner in class I really grasped the meaning behind it.
ReplyDeleteSydney litke, period 3
(Maria Bustillo, Period 3) While analyzing the Star Spangeld Banner I was surprised to find out that the song actually had so much pattern and had a lot of repetition. It was something I would’ve never realized without analyzing it in class. Alongside that, I was also surprised to find out that the song took you through every part of the war, and allowed for one to feel the sentiment felt by people during the war. Furthermore, I found it interesting that Francis Scott Key wrote the song while the war was happening, and that he used different punctuation at the end of each verse because he himself didn’t know who was going to win the war.
ReplyDeleteThrough analyzing the Star Spangled Banner in class, I was able to gain a better understanding for the true meaning and the historical references made throughout the song/poem. Knowing the details as to how the poem first was written from Francis Scott Key, and understanding the patriotism behind each verse helped me connect more with the song past something that I was forced to sing with in elementary school. The thought put behind his words, not only the words themselves but also the punctuation and the rhyme scheme, created a sense of actually being there as the battle took place.
ReplyDeleteDominique Fernandez P.6
I was definitely surprised with so many factors that played into the creation and writing of the nation anthem. Like, I didn't know Key wrote it during the battle and that gives it so much more depth in itself because he was going through so much during the war, and you see how he goes from a state of doubt in his country to a sense of certainty in his freedom.
ReplyDeleteLia Miloslavich P.4