Bob Dylan's selection as the 2016 winner of the Nobel Prize for Literature, the first songwriter ever to receive the honor, has focused the attention of a new generation on the work of the legendary artist. Class members analyze the poetic devices and themes in two of his most famous songs.

Concepts

poetry, poetry analysis, rock and roll music, protest songs, bob dylan, rhetorical devices, song lyrics, lyric analysis, rhymes

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Additional Tags

english language arts

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Instructional Ideas

• Have groups research the controversies surrounding Dylan's selection as the 2016 Nobel Prize for Literature
• Prepare class members for Dylan's voice and performance style

Classroom Considerations

• Both "Mr. Tambourine Man" and "It's Alright, Ma (I'm Only Bleeding)" are available via YouTube or other streaming services
• Class members should be familiar with half-rhymes 

Pros

• The five-page packet includes the lyrics from sections of both songs, a brief plan, and links to articles that could be used in the discussion
• Possible interpretations of the lyrics are included
• The answer key is hilarious

Cons

• The plan is underdeveloped
• No discussion questions are included

Common Core

RL.9-10.1 RL.9-10.4 RL.9-10.10a