Analyzing 'The Sound of Silence' by Simon & Garfunkel

Analyzing 'The Sound of Silence'

Read the lyrics to 'The Sound of Silence' by Simon & Garfunkel carefully. Then, answer the questions that follow, using complete sentences and evidence from the lyrics to support your responses.

The Sound of Silence by Simon & Garfunkel

Hello darkness, my old friend I've come to talk with you again Because a vision softly creeping Left its seeds while I was sleeping And the vision that was planted in my brain Still remains Within the sound of silence.

In restless dreams I walked alone Narrow streets of cobblestone 'Neath the halo of a street lamp I turned my collar to the cold and damp When my eyes were stabbed by the flash of a neon light That split the night And touched the sound of silence.

And in the naked light I saw Ten thousand people, maybe more People talking without speaking People hearing without listening People writing songs that voices never shared And no one dared Disturb the sound of silence.

'Fools,' said I, 'You do not know Silence like a cancer grows Hear my words that I might teach you Take my arms that I might reach you.' But my words like silent raindrops fell And echoed in the wells of silence.

And the people bowed and prayed To the neon god they made And the sign flashed out its warning In the words that it was forming And the sign said, 'The words of the prophets Are written on the subway walls And tenement halls.' And whispered in the sound of silence.

1. Which literary device is most evident in the line 'Hello darkness, my old friend'?

2. The 'flash of a neon light' primarily symbolizes:

3. The speaker describes people as 'talking without speaking' and 'hearing without  '.

4. The 'neon god they made' refers to the people's worship of  .

5. What is the central theme of 'The Sound of Silence'? Provide at least two pieces of textual evidence to support your answer.

6. Analyze the significance of the phrase 'Silence like a cancer grows.' What does this simile suggest about the nature of silence in the song?

7. The song suggests that modern society encourages genuine communication and understanding.

Match the literary device to its example from the song.

11. Discuss how the imagery throughout the song contributes to its overall mood and message. Consider specific examples of visual and auditory imagery.