This time, I'd like to demonstrate how an author can create tone and setting. I'd like to use songs again because they are nice and bite-sized for students. Additionally, I think that songs tend to use more conversational language which is more useful for students than the sort of language used in most literature.
For tone, I am thinking that a great example would be "Brick" by Ben Folds Five. Although the subject matter of abortion is controversial (not to mention depressing), I think it will probably translate pretty well to my class. Plus, Ben Folds handles it is a very subtle and non-controversial way, so I think it will be okay. Ben Folds' word and imagery choice is very apt in this song and I think it's fairly easy to understand if you first (a) explain what it is about--I think most people who hear this song initially misinterpret it--and (b) translate some of the more conversational phrases. Still, I'm open to suggestions if anyone thinks they can top "Brick"!
I am also trying to think of a song that conveys a sense of setting. It's harder to find pop songs that are about a place, although a couple come to mind. Unfortunately, they tend to make a lot of allusions that my students won't be at all familiar with. "Why You'd Want to Live Here" by Death Cab does a great job of conveying setting...but it also only makes sense if you are familiar with Los Angeles. I think something like the old standard "New York, New York" might work.
Thoughts?
I was also looking for a song that could convey setting, but it's pretty
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