E90: The Art of Taylor Swift’s Storytelling: Narratology Explained

“Once the flight had flown…” Taylor Swift is a master storyteller, but how does she tell those stories? In this week’s Show & Tell episode, we’re talking all about Narratology. We break down the structure behind the storytelling, unpacking flashbacks, fast forwards, stream of consciousness, and first-person limited narration through three brilliant Swift tracks. From fairy tale distortion in “Is It Over Now?”, a murder mystery arc in “No Body, No Crime,” to the heart-tugging Bildungsroman of “You’re On Your Own, Kid,” this episode explores the how behind the heartbreaks, twists, and self-discoveries. Whether you're into literary theory, folklore, or just love a well-crafted bridge, you’ll leave this episode with a deeper appreciation for Taylor’s evolving narrative toolkit—and maybe a few English class flashbacks of your own. Subscribe to get new episode updates: aptaylorswift.substack.com/subscribe Stay up to date at aptaylorswift.com    Mentioned in this episode:  White Lotus E51: All Too Well (10 Minute Version) Mrs. Dalloway, Virginia Woolf Dracula, Bram Stoker The Lord of the Rings, J.R.R. Tolkien Beauty and the Beast Sleeping Beauty Alice and Wonderland Snow White Doctor Who E78: Tim McGraw Deep Dive Harry Potter Great Expectations, Charles Dickens Jane Eyre, Charlotte Brontë   ***   Episode Highlights:  [01:13] Intro to narratology [05:25] “Is It Over Now?” 1989 (Taylor’s Version) (From the Vault) [19:34] “No body, no crime” evermore [32:20] “You’re on You’re Own, Kid” Midnights   Follow AP Taylor Swift podcast on social!  TikTok → tiktok.com/@APTaylorSwift Instagram → instagram.com/APTaylorSwift YouTube → youtube.com/@APTaylorSwift Link Tree →linktr.ee/aptaylorswift Bookshop.org → bookshop.org/shop/apts Libro.fm →  tinyurl.com/aptslibro Contact us at [email protected]  Affiliate Codes:  Krowned Krystals - krownedkrystals.com use code APTS at checkout for 10% off!  Libro.fm - Looking for an audiobook? Check out our Libro.fm playlist and use code APTS30 for 30% off books found here tinyurl.com/aptslibro This podcast is neither related to nor endorsed by Taylor Swift, her companies, or record labels. All opinions are our own. Intro music produced by Scott Zadig aka Scotty Z.