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From Ask Dr. Ink, one of the best journalism columns I’ve seen in a long time, an analytical look at the famous “Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer” song:

As journalists begin to plan their holiday coverage, let them not forget the continuing inspiration of that most archetypal of yuletide tales, “Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer.” Dr. Ink never ceases to be amazed by the nuances of this legend, a deconstruction of which reveals much about the power of story.

Lyric

Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer

Had a very shiny nose.

And if you ever saw it,

You would even say it glows.

Explication: The story begins with a protagonist set apart by a distinguishing characteristic, a nose that glows. But the narrator is ambiguous. Does he bear a badge of honor, or the mark of Cain; is it a blessing or a curse?

Lyric:

All of the other reindeer

Used to laugh and call him names.

They never let poor Rudolph

Join in any reindeer games.

Explication: The complication. The genetic inheritance (or mutation), the source of individuality (or Otherness), turns out to be a curse, leading to alienation, excommunication, and reindeer ennui.

Lyric:

Then one foggy Christmas Eve

Santa came to say:

“Rudolph with your nose so bright,

“Won’t you guide my sleigh tonight.”

Explication: The author adds a complication, with the ante raised. Now the happiness of all children across the world is at stake.

Lyric:

Then how the reindeer loved him,

As they shouted out with glee:

“Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer,

“You’ll go down in history.”

Explication: The ending, the payoff, is opened to interpretation. Are the reindeer just Santa’s yes-men, sucking up to the Big Guy? Or have they been saved by Rudolph’s courageous intervention?