“Firework” by Katy Perry By Mrs. Rodriguez

Figurative Language Slide 1- Do you ever feel like a plastic bag, Drifting through the wind Simile Authors is posing the question (have you ever felt empty, disposable, like trash?) ("Firework Lyrics.“)

Figurative Language Slide 2- Do you ever feel, feel so paper thin Figurative Language Slide 2- Do you ever feel, feel so paper thin. Like a house of cards, one blow from caving in Simile The author is trying to convey the feeling of defeat. Are you that weak, do you lack a foundation? Is there stability in your life? ("Firework Lyrics" )

Figurative Language Slide 3- Just own the night Like the Fourth of July Simile/personification/Allusion ("Firework Lyrics") The author wants the reader to feel free (in their own skin). July 4th is Independence Day or also known as America’s birthday in the United States. We celebrate the 4th of July because it represents the day that America became separate from British rule. Under British rule the Colonists were unhappy with British government.  They felt they were unfairly taxed and had no vote on the laws that affected them. ("Story of the Fourth of July.")

Figurative Language Slide 4- Baby you're a firework Figurative Language Slide 4- Baby you're a firework! Come on let your colors burst, Make 'em go "Oh, oh, oh!" Metaphor The author is trying to convince the reader that he/she is amazing and spectacular the way they are. One doesn’t have to be like everyone else to achieve this. ("Firework Lyrics" )

Figurative Language Slide 5 After a hurricane comes a rainbow Allusion The rainbow is a promise that God made to the people that He would never again flood the earth. After the flood (Noah’s Ark) came new life. Everyone goes through defeat, lows, destruction emotionally and physically sometimes but one must find a better tomorrow. ("Firework Lyrics" )

Tone Uplifting and empowering. She wants to convey the message that the listener is capable of anything. ("Katheryn Hudson" )

Mood The mood created by the song is empowerment to change. It’s as if she was her own or others’ cheerleader, and inspires a positive attitude.

Theme- Author’s Purpose Katy wants us to understand that what we put into life is what we will get out of it. If we want to be outstanding, than we must have that same attitude. ("Katheryn Hudson." )

Why was the song written? Special meaning? Perry told Billboard magazine that the inspiration for the song came from an unlikely source. My boyfriend showed me a paragraph out of Jack Kerouac's book On The Road, about people that are buzzing and fizzing and full of life and never say a commonplace thing. They shoot across the sky like a firework and make people go, 'Ahhh.' I guess that making people go 'ahhh' is kind of like my motto." "Firework by Katy Perry Songfacts." Firework by Katy Perry Songfacts. N.p., n.d. Web. 10 Nov. 2014.

Purpose in mind Katy told MTV News, "I think that's why I wrote it, is because I really believe in people and I believe that people have a spark to be a firework. It's just up to them, and a lot of times it's only us that's standing in the way of reaching our goals, fulfilling our destinies, being the best version of who we possibly can be, so that's why I wrote it." "Katy Perry Reveals The Meaning Behind 'Firework'" - Take 40. N.p., n.d. Web. 10 Nov. 2014.

Who can relate to the song? Katy’s video features all sorts of people. She has scenes where some want to dance but hold back because they are shy. In other’s they are suffering abuse but are afraid of standing up for themselves. Before the video premiered Katy dedicated it to the 'It Gets Better' campaign, which supports bullied gay, lesbian and transgender teens. "Katy Perry Reveals The Meaning Behind 'Firework'" – Take 40. N.p., n.d. Web. 10 Nov. 2014.

The artist and her life Perry had a strong religious upbringing. She grew up listening to gospel music, sang in a church choir between the ages of nine and seventeen, and was even banned by her parents from listening to secular (non-religious) music. "Firework by Katy Perry Songfacts." Firework by Katy Perry Songfacts. N.p., n.d. Web. 10 Nov. 2014.

When & where were they born Katy Perry was born Katheryn Elizabeth Hudson in Santa Barbara, California, to Christian pastor parents, Keith and Mary Hudson. In 2001, she released a self-titled gospel album under her real name, Katy Hudson. Katy changed her surname to "Perry," her mother Mary's maiden name, as to avoid confusion with the actress, Kate Hudson. "Firework by Katy Perry Songfacts." Firework by Katy Perry Songfacts. N.p., n.d. Web. 10 Nov. 2014.

Do any of the artist’s emotions spill into the song? Yes, "Basically I have this very morbid idea... when I pass, I want to be put into a firework and shot across the sky over the Santa Barbara Ocean as my last hurrah," she said. "I want to be a firework, both living and dead. "Firework by Katy Perry Songfacts."

Works Cited "Firework Lyrics." Katy Perry -. Peermusic Publishing, n.d. Web. 13 Nov. 2014. "Katheryn Hudson." Bio. A&E Television Networks, 2014. Web. 13 Nov. 2014. "Perry, Katy." Compton's by Britannica. Encyclopædia Britannica Online School Edition. Encyclopædia Britannica, Inc., 2014. Web. 13 Nov. 2014. <http://archive.school.eb.com/all/comptons/article-9571604>. "The Story of the Fourth of July." Declaration of Independence Full Text, US Independence Day Facts. N.p., n.d. Web. 13 Nov. 2014.