A Slice of "American Pie"

A detailed Summary of A Slice of "American Pie"

In its wake, it has mystified, thrilled, consumed, enlightened, and even prognosticated the future. "American Pie", known to most as a song sung by Don McLean, is at heart something of an epic poem, which has been analyzed by millions for 30 years. It has been suggested by some that the song is an explanation of McLean's departure from Rock and Roll or as a warning from God to America. It has been translated into several parodies.

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

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Approximate Word count = 557
Approximate Pages = 2 (250 words per page double spaced)

Category: Music

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