My original method of criticism for this particular artifact was of Fantasy Theme criticism. This method of rhetorical criticism was created by Ernest G. Bormann, which helps provide insights into the shared worldview of groups (Foss, 97). There can be many ways people interpret an artifact be it a song, poem, image, painting, etc. however, when a big enough amount of people arrive to a concise and shared interpretation, share the symbolism, etc. then they have become a community and have form a fantasy theme. Likely artifacts that can be looked at under the lens of fantasy theme are advertisements, songs, books or films or anything where symbolic convergence is seen to occur. Along with this anything said by a major public figure such as a president or artist can also fit into a fantasy theme analysis as they can be that ones to implement a theme which their targeted audience would agree in.
When it comes to analyzing the artifact, there are two steps to follow. The first one is coding the artifact for setting, character, and action themes. This means we have to find where this fantasy is taking place, are there various settings or just one. Setting themes can also be the description of characteristics of the setting not just the naming of them. When looking for the character(s) we see who is mentioned, being addressed or doing the narration. What are their characteristics, qualities and assigned motives. Lastly, for action themes or plotlines deal with the actions in which the characters in the drama engage. What are the adjectives used for the characters.
The second step for fantasy theme criticism is the construction of the rhetorical vision(s) from the fantasy themes. The way to do so is by identifying patterns in the fantasy themes. From their a shared vision can be concluded. When doing fantasy theme criticism there will be the discovery of major and minor themes, where the major themes will take over the smaller ones as they carry majority of the significance of the artifact. (Foss, Sonja K. Rhetorical Criticism: Exploration and Practice. fourth ed., Waveland Press, 2009.)
Doing a fantasy-theme criticism on BTS's Pied Piper:
The major character themes mentioned are those of BTS through the usage of 1st person pronouns (I'm, me, my, I). The second character being the audience/listener aka ARMY (BTS Fans) who are addressed with second person pronouns (you, your, you're). Minor characters mention are parents and boss who are related to the addressed. The characters are in conversation with one another, showing an intimate relationship due to only referring to one's person and their target audience. Lots of references used could only be interpreted by the listeners and viewers of BTS content as opposed to casual and non listeners. The narrator consistently describes themselves as a bit dangerous, sweet, like a pied piper and a guilty pleasure. Although ARMY is not described with any specific characteristics we can infer through their actions about their dedication, loyalty and passivity. <br />
The major setting themes are that of paradise and the mention of the audience's room. Although paradise is not an actual place, it is used to refer to what the narrator (BTS) IS to the listener. BTS's identification with paradise; (a world that they and their fans have reached and are familiar with) and what this paradise is meant to provide. We get descriptions such as sweet, warm, irresistible.
Action themes that the narrator does are rescue (ing) you, ruin(ing) you, test(ing) you, taking over you, leading you, blowing the pipes. Theres this emphasis in being in control of the audience, almost hypnotizing them like the pied piper does with his music. It can be described as dangerous as well as rewarding.
From our understanding of character, setting and action themes we arrive to the conclusion that there is this vision of acceptance and yielding to ones desire. We get this understanding when only a small verse talks about other characters not approving of this behavior (dedication/admiration) and pointing out what they do that may not seem right (endlessly watching content, the abundance of bts photos, interpreting all they are exposed to, not working as hard in other aspects, etc.). The verse ends by stating that this song (Pied Piper) is a prize, gift, not meant to be a punishment. There's this feeling of gratitude which is pursued throughout the whole song. Give in, let yourself be guided and enjoy being yourself and continue following us. The narrator acknowledges the audiences work and potential to see their work positively which has let them to this shared community.
ARMY community:
When this song was released there was a surge of memes floating around the internet, in apps like instagram, twitter, facebook, and other fan community based apps like Amino, V app (Korean live broadcasting/posting app which no longer exists) and what is now known as Weverse (HYBE entertainment company). ARMY have this shared vision that Pied Piper was a diss towards them, and it was telling them to get their act together. This song has gone around to tease ones self for being focused on BTS's everyday work and content. Completely being captured into the loop of voting, capturing photos, listening to music, watching reality tv, interviews, attending events, and so on. Majority of the fans understand that this is not an actually song dissing them but a way to continue capturing their attention and support. Although many use the song as a fun tease many found it to be good motivation. They used it as motivation to achieve goals be it graduating school, getting hired for their dream job, creating a business, etc.
Meme examples:
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(https://www.youtube.com/shorts/WSUd4OlIrO4)
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(