Linguistic Patterns of Contradiction A Transitivity Analysis of The Scarlet Letter
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.70036/cltls.v1i2.31Keywords:
The Scarlet Letter, Transitivity, Linguistic Analysis, Contradiction, HawthorneAbstract
This study employs transitivity theory to explore how Nathaniel Hawthorne uses linguistic structures to highlight themes of contradiction in The Scarlet Letter. By adopting Halliday and Matthiessen's transitivity framework, the analysis identifies the predominant use of relational, material, and mental processes, revealing how these linguistic choices shape readers' interpretations and enhance thematic depth. The findings indicate that relational processes are most dominant, reflecting characters’ societal positions and internal conflicts, while verbal and behavioral processes are less emphasized, suggesting a nuanced approach to depicting contradiction. This linguistic focus offers new insights into Hawthorne’s narrative technique and its thematic implications, contributing to both literary and linguistic fields.
Highlights:
- Relational processes dominate, reflecting characters’ societal and internal conflicts.
- Verbal and behavioral processes are underutilized, emphasizing a nuanced approach to contradiction.
- Applying transitivity theory uncovers new insights into Hawthorne's narrative strategies.
Keywords: The Scarlet Letter,Transitivity, Linguistic Analysis, Contradiction, Hawthorne
References
Biber, S. (2010). Qualitative Approaches to Mixed Methods Practice. Qualitative Inquiry, 16(6), 455–468.
Crystal, D. (1987). The Cambridge Encyclopedia of Language. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press.
Crystal, D. (2008). A Dictionary of Linguistics and Phonetics (The Language Library. Hoboken, NJ: John Wiley & Sons Incorporated.
Finch, G. (2000). Linguistic Terms and Concepts. New York, NY: Palgrave.
Halliday, M., & Matthiessen, M. (2014). Halliday’s Introduction to Functional Grammar. London: Routledge.
Malmkjær, K. (Ed.). (2002). The Linguistics Encyclopedia. London: Routledge.
Martin, B., & Ringham, F. (2000). Dictionary of Semiotics. London: Bloomsbury Publishing.
Maxwell, J. A. (2010). Using Numbers in Qualitative Research. Qualitative Inquiry, 16(6), 475–482.
Spears, R. A. (1998). NTC’s Thematic Dictionary of American Idioms. Lincolnwood, IL: NTC Publishing Group.
Downloads
Published
How to Cite
Issue
Section
Citation Check
License
Copyright (c) 2024 Ayat Saad Abdulameer, Shaymaa Abid Abdulameer
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.
Copyright
Authors who publish with Comparative Linguistics, Translation and Literary Studies agree to the following terms:
- Authors retain copyright and grant the journal right of first publication with the work simultaneously licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License that allows others to share the work with an acknowledgment of the work's authorship and initial publication in this journal.
- Authors are able to enter into separate, additional contractual arrangements for the non-exclusive distribution of the journal's published version of the work (e.g., post it to an institutional repository or publish it in a book), with an acknowledgment of its initial publication in this journal.
- Authors are permitted and encouraged to post their work online (e.g., in institutional repositories or on their website) prior to and during the submission process, as it can lead to productive exchanges, as well as earlier and greater citation of published work.
License
This work is licensed under CC BY 4.0
