Logos, pathos, and ethos are three fundamental rhetorical strategies used to help influence an audience’s perception. In the music video “Teardrops On My Guitar” by Taylor Swift, these strategies are used effectively to convey the story of emotional vulnerability and an unsatisfactory type of love.
Ethos plays a significant role in establishing the credibility of Taylor Swift and the music video. With “Teardrops On My Guitar” being a part of Taylor’s debut album and it being one of her earliest hits, this video helped establish her reputation as a relatable singer-songwriter who can honestly share firsthand experiences through her music. The complete honesty shown in her performance and lyrics strengthens the perceived authenticity of her as an artist who can understand and empathizes with the teenage struggles of love and acceptance. The setting also contributes to its rhetorical appeal. This story takes place in a high school
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Throughout the story, Taylor portrays a high school girl who is secretly in love with her best friend. The lyrics provide insight into her feelings for her best friend and how she is affected when she watches him become infatuated with another girl. This storyline allows viewers to clearly follow the events and understand the logical progression of the emotions experienced. The use of symbolism is also present in this video to communicate a meaning that goes deeper than the surface-level plot. For example, at one point in the video Taylor is seen with a guitar covered in teardrop-shaped rhinestones; this is a visual representation of her internal pain as she sings about this unretaliated love. The use of familiar elements such as high school relationships that many people can easily relate to, and the use of imagery adds depth to the narrative and encourages viewers to reflect on their own experiences making a personal interpretation of the song’s