The New Standard Encyclopedia defines an art epic poem as "... built up about some great theme or thought that is universal, or at least of national, importance." (E-190) Buddy Holly died on February 3,1959 in a plane crash, and, for a moment, the United States grieved. McLean once suggested that the song is biographical in nature and that it was a look at the death of Buddy Holly through

For over 30 years people have been analyzing, questioning, and seeking meaning in the song that McLean calls poetry and has not sought to analyze himself. One analyst, by the name of Saul Levitt, suggests, "The song is McLean's justification for giving up rock and roll and turning to folk music. He had been touring for about a year with Pete Seeger...it's evident that the song is about McLean giving up rock and roll since the death of such great stars..." Another analyst, by the name of Roy Taylor, has a very different interpretation of McLean's song. Mr. Taylor suggests, "American Pie, is a detailed prophecy, concerning America's future, and a 'funeral hymn,' written in a 'dirge' foretelling America's death." Regardless of the true meaning of the poem, it is clear that the poem has sparked a great deal of interest fro

Some common words found in the essay are:
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Approximate Pages = 2 (250 words per page double spaced)