Learning Interpretive Literature through the Lyrics of The Unforgiven

Learning Interpretive Literature through the Lyrics of The Unforgiven

Chosen properly, song lyrics can be used to introduce ‘interpretive literature’ to Korean EFL learners. The analysis of “The Unforgiven” trilogy has shown us how one can find one's true self against the background of an emotional journey that takes a person from the state of ‘anguish’ to looking for ‘salvation and redemption’ and finally realizing that ‘forgiving’ oneself is the first step towards finding salvation and redemption. As such, lyrics from even ‘heavy metal’ music can be used for teaching ‘interpretive literature.’ Students in their twenties respond especially well to lyrics laden with emotionally powerful elements of human existence. It is in this context that The Unforgiven trilogy provided us with ‘anguish, salvation, redemption, and forgiveness’ - emotional elements that can be commonly found in any ‘interpretive literature.’