36 pages • 1 hour read
Slammed
A modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides with detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and more.
Background
Literary Context: The Trope of Forbidden Lovers
Forbidden lovers is a common trope in romantic novels, plays, and films that entails two would-be lovers who are drawn to each other but forbidden to be together. The most famous pair of forbidden lovers is Romeo and Juliet, the eponymous couple from William Shakespeare’s tragedy Romeo and Juliet, who cannot be together because of a long-standing familial feud. They are star-crossed lovers, meaning that their stars are fated to cross in the sky and travel in different directions, rather than in the same direction as one. This phrase captures Romeo and Juliet’s predestined fate to only find brief happiness and then be separated by death.
As in the case of Romeo and Juliet, the trope of forbidden, star-crossed lovers entails two individuals who are clearly in love and compatible but kept apart by circumstances beyond either of their control. This plot device creates tension and interest, stirring the audience who hopes that the lovers overcome the obstacles in their way. Furthermore, this trope forces the audience to confront questions of loyalty and obedience; they are positioned to consider whether the characters should prioritize love or obedience to societal standards. In Colleen Hoover’s Slammed, the legal and societal standards that dictate that students and teachers should not be romantically or sexually involved are explored.
Literary Context: Slam Poetry
Slam poetry is spoken-word poetry presented in front of an audience; it differs from traditional poetry, which is disseminated in written form and read. Delivery is key in slam poetry; poets vary their tone and volume, emphasize key words and phrases, and use rhythm and pacing to create flow. Delivery is often emotive and impassioned and aims to draw audience members into the poet’s lived experience or message. The message is often provocative, as poets aim to shock, amuse, amaze, or disturb audiences; it is intentionally dramatic. While props and costumes are not allowed, slam poets can employ gesticulation and facial expression to help convey their message. Slam poetry is influenced by musical performance, especially spoken-word hip-hop and the dramatic arts.
In open slam competitions (as depicted in Slammed), five audience members are often selected from the crowd as judges. All who wish to compete are welcome. In most cases, a winner is chosen at the end of the performances, sometimes by the judging panel or the crowd as a whole. At invitational poetry slam events, only specific poets are invited to speak (“What Is Slam Poetry?” Power Poetry, 2023).Slam poetry is spoken-word poetry presented in front of an audience; it differs from traditional poetry, which is disseminated in written form and read. Delivery is key in slam poetry; poets vary their tone and volume, emphasize key words and phrases, and use rhythm and pacing to create flow. Delivery is often emotive and impassioned and aims to draw audience members into the poet’s lived experience or message. The message is often provocative, as poets aim to shock, amuse, amaze, or disturb audiences; it is intentionally dramatic. While props and costumes are not allowed, slam poets can employ gesticulation and facial expression to help convey their message. Slam poetry is influenced by musical performance, especially spoken-word hip-hop and the dramatic arts.
In open slam competitions (as depicted in Slammed), five audience members are often selected from the crowd as judges. All who wish to compete are welcome. In most cases, a winner is chosen at the end of the performances, sometimes by the judging panel or the crowd as a whole. At invitational poetry slam events, only specific poets are invited to speak (“What Is Slam Poetry?” Power Poetry, 2023).
Unlock all 36 pages of this Study GuidePlus, gain access to 8,800+ more expert-written Study Guides.
Including features:
Related Titles
By Colleen Hoover
