Working Class Hero, a powerful song by John Lennon released in 1970, reflects on the injustice of the social classes at the time. John Lennon portrays his opinion on the issue throughout the song using strong rhetoric. Through his relation to the audience by
the use of the word “you,” Lennon describes how the working class was treated
unequally mostly due to capitalism and the government. Lennon begins by
describing how terrible the life of a working class person is, but then
continues on to say that a working class citizen is something to be. By
emphasizing this contradiction, Lennon depicts how the working class is stuck
in a cycle that is controlled by people of higher status. Throughout the song, Lennon describes how at the time, everyone was expected to act and think the same way. He explains
how if you are born into a certain social class, you will most likely stay
within that class and the result of trying to aspire and achieve are shown in
the lines: “They hurt you at home and they hit you at school. They hate you if you're clever and they despise a fool.”
Very thoughtful analysis of John Lennon's powerful song. I like how you used specific lyrics to portray Lennon's message. As we have grown as a nation do you think the same ideology still exists?
ReplyDeleteThis post brings up interesting points that I hadn't thought about before. I agree that there is a strong contradiction within the message of the song, and Lennon's goal of that is to stress that the current societal norms don't make sense. If there is any suggestion I could make, it is that I would like to know more about how John Lennon's argument proposes to change the issue.
ReplyDeleteI think that the message of this song is still very relevant today, with a shrinking middle class in America, there is a greater separation between the working class and the wealthy. The song uses pathos, logos and ethos to make a strong argument against the oppression of the working class.
ReplyDeleteI think that the message of this song is still very relevant today, with a shrinking middle class in America, there is a greater separation between the working class and the wealthy. The song uses pathos, logos and ethos to make a strong argument against the oppression of the working class.
ReplyDeleteI agree with your analysis on almost every point. In particular I agree that Lennon's use of "you" was an effective use of pathos by helping him bond with his listeners on a personal level.
ReplyDeleteThis is a good analysis of what he was trying to convey to the audience, but what was he trying to get the audience to do? What action was he calling for? Also, who does he want to execute the action? The working class or the upper class?
ReplyDelete