Tuesday, September 29, 2015

"Imagine" by John Lennon: Major Rhetorical Argument and Stasis Theory


In 1971, John Lennon published his song “Imagine” in response to the animosity and violence surrounding the Vietnam War. Through his lyrics, Lennon promoted the creation of a peaceful world by living simply. Given the time period in which the song was written, neither Lennon nor the audience needed to question whether the world was indeed in a state of disharmony; this was just considered fact. Similarly, the popular opinion was that a peaceful world would be better than the current violent world. Thus, Lennon made his point through his cause and action stases. By telling the audience to imagine a world without religion, countries, and possessions in order to see a world of harmony, Lennon implied that such things were the causes of the problem. Additionally he proposed that living simply instead, leaving behind the burdens of greed, hunger, and heaven and hell, would lead to a peaceful world.

-Madi

2 comments:

  1. While I may not particularly care for John Lennon, I liked the dissection of his message. It's good to see that the fifth stasis was included.
    -Charlie Youngmann

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  2. I like your summary, it covered the song well. Your explanation of the Jurisdiction element of stasis theory was never specifically stated, but I like how you imply that it is the audience in which he is singing to; that peace is a problem that can be solved with the cooperation of everyone.

    -Kyle Strouth

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