Jazz Interpretation

This worksheet asks students to analyze two lyric excerpts from 1920s jazz songs that reflect public reactions to Prohibition. Students answer questions in complete sentences, examining how the lyrics express attitudes, emotions, resistance, or social defiance toward alcohol laws. They also identify specific evidence showing how people ignored or pushed back against Prohibition. Through interpreting music as a cultural artifact, students evaluate whether Prohibition was widely supported and consider how songs can serve as historical sources. This activity develops inferencing skills, reinforces understanding of public sentiment, and connects the arts to historical interpretation.

Curriculum Matched Skills

Social Studies – Cultural Interpretation of Historical Sources

English Language Arts – Textual Evidence and Interpretation

Social Studies – Understanding Public Reaction to Government Policies

English Language Arts – Critical Thinking Through Thematic Analysis

This worksheet is part of our Prohibition Era Worksheets collection.