Literary Analysis: Fall from Wealth

The Life of a Rolling Stone

• The narrator describes someone who was once wealthy and proud, but has now fallen on hard times, forced to scrounge for their next meal.
• This person was warned about their eventual downfall, but they didn't listen.
• Despite being educated at the finest schools, they never learned how to survive on their own and are now struggling to cope with their new reality.

A Life of Dependence

• The narrator suggests that this person relied heavily on others for their sense of self-worth and never learned to be self-sufficient.
• They were used to being entertained and pampered by others, but now they're forced to fend for themselves.
• The narrator implies that this person was blind to the fact that they were being used by others, who were only interested in their wealth and status.

A Loss of Identity

• The narrator describes this person as a "complete unknown," implying that they've lost their sense of identity and direction.
• They're forced to confront the harsh reality of their situation, and the narrator asks repeatedly, "How does it feel?" to emphasize the shock and despair they must be experiencing.
• The song's refrain, "Like a rolling stone," drives home the idea that this person is now adrift, without a sense of purpose or belonging.

The Life of a Rolling Stone

• A person who was once wealthy and proud has fallen on hard times, struggling to find their next meal. • This person was warned about their eventual downfall but ignored the warnings. • Despite being educated at the finest schools, they never learned how to be self-sufficient and are now struggling to cope with their new reality.

A Life of Dependence

• The person relied heavily on others for their sense of self-worth and never learned to be independent. • They were used to being entertained and pampered by others, but now they're forced to fend for themselves. • Others were only interested in their wealth and status, and the person was blind to being used.

A Loss of Identity

• The person has lost their sense of identity and direction, becoming a "complete unknown". • They're forced to confront the harsh reality of their situation, experiencing shock and despair. • The song's refrain, "Like a rolling stone," emphasizes the idea that this person is now adrift, without a sense of purpose or belonging.