Bob Dylan Synthesis

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Bob Dylan Synthesis Essay The Nobel Prize in literature is a well sought after reward that fulfills the dreams of both aspiring and well known authors. Gordon Ball’s nomination of Bob Dylan for the prize in 1996 was a controversial decision that has yet to see any results, and it was this nomination that placed into question whether or not a singer-songwriter is eligible to receive the Nobel Prize. While Bob Dylan’s works have been to be found moving to many and arguably profound lyrical masterpieces, they were created with the intention of being verbally and visually expressed and do not read along the lines of traditional writing or poetry. Bob Dylan is a well-recognized figure in the music industry, who has already “won lots of awards” …show more content…

Michael Gray’s analysis of Dylan’s lyrics being a contrast between hackneyed expressions and “beautifully done” are exemplified in the song “Just Like a Woman.” Dylan’s lyrics “she aches just like a woman but she breaks just like a little girl” is given the harsh description of “maudlin platitude” and deemed to be a “non-statement.” If Dylan’s lyrics cannot uphold against meaningful music of the same category, how can they be expected to stand against literature written for a different field. John Lennon had his own critiques of Dylan’s works, calling out how the abstract nature of his lyrics, having loose definition, never achieved an actual point. Lennon’s definition of “poetry” referred to “stick[ing] a few images together” and “thread[ing] them” in order to create something meaningful. It once again boils down to the fact that Dylan’s music that was written and intended to be received as a live performance. The acknowledgement that “…you have to hear Dylan doing it” is a recognition of his composition’s failure to come across as a normal literary work. It’s all part of a “good game.” This in itself should disqualify Dylan as a possible candidate for the Nobel Prize. (Sources C and F) Regardless of the achievements of great men like William Blake, the particular of situation of Bob Dylan isn’t comparable because of the great headway

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