Rebecca Tomilchik
Logos is the rhetorical term used to demonstrate the logic of a piece of literature. Through reasoning, research, statistics, charts, etc., logos appeals to the logic of an audience. In the case of the Beatles song, “Lucy in the Sky with Diamonds,” it is challenging to pinpoint the logos, since it is basically about tripping on acid. In my opinion, the best way to attempt to describe the logos of this song is to explain how there isn’t any; the lack of logos makes the song more logical. “Lucy in the Sky with Diamonds” is a piece of creative fiction, a song meant to make people smile and reflect on life. For example, the lack of logos is exemplified by the stanza:
Newspaper taxis appear on the shore
Waiting to take you away
Climb in the back with your head in the clouds
And you're gone
Although there is no technical logic to this song, such as graphs or statistics, there is a certain element of organization that pertains to the era itself. The nonsensical lyrics serve to demonstrate the free-spiritedness that The Beatles were attempting to emulate through “Lucy in the Sky with Diamonds.” The 1960’s were considered to be a hectic time of revolution and protest, and the only logos that was apparent was the need to change society.
I love your take on a lack of logos in this song, I think that makes a lot of sense. A big portion of the people listening to the Beatles, specifically this song, were young people who just wanted to hang out and spread love. There wasn't a requirement of logic for the hippie movement, and this song shows that.
ReplyDeleteI agree with the idea that there is no facts or stats that are presented by Lennon in this song, however there is reasoning. The songs of the time period appealed to logos more by their reasoning than stating facts. The influence of acid sends a message in itself that to find the peace Lennon talks about, one can try acid, maybe.
ReplyDeleteI agree with the idea that there is no facts or stats that are presented by Lennon in this song, however there is reasoning. The songs of the time period appealed to logos more by their reasoning than stating facts. The influence of acid sends a message in itself that to find the peace Lennon talks about, one can try acid, maybe.
ReplyDelete