"Jeremy" (6)

In "an affluent suburb" at "3:30 in the afternoon", something changed the lives of an entire classroom.

A young boy was pushed too far.

Throughout the song, one of Jeremy's peers tells his story of remorse. One can sense guilt and regret in verse 2 of the song determing who the actual speaker is, although Jeremy did indeed "speak" in class that day.

The first verse was meant to inform and perhaps establish authority by giving Jeremy the title, "King Jeremy." The speaker also uses Pathos to describe Jeremy's upbringing. Jeremy received no attention from his father, and his mommy didn't care. This could have been a factor behind Jeremy's "wicked" decision. The speaker also evaluates Jeremy's family life, maybe even blaming them directly.

A forensic argument is introduced in the second verse with a remorseful tone. The speaker clearly remember's picking on him. In the video, Eddie Vedder has a painful expression on his face when singing this particular verse. Anyone watching the video can relate to the speaker as he appeals to the audience's emotions... Pathos.

A means to an end is finally introduced at the end of the second chorus.

"Try to forget this... try to forget this. Try to erase this... try to erase this."

He's trying to erase the tragedy from his mind.

Jeremy's peer is quite aware that he was a major factor for what Jeremy had done, and now he must suffer the consequences.