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Research Article
A Study of Mind Style in Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie’s Purple Hibiscus
Adama Suleiman,
Murana Muniru Oladayo,
Yusuf Ibrahim
Issue:
Volume 11, Issue 6, November 2023
Pages:
233-238
Received:
11 September 2023
Accepted:
4 October 2023
Published:
9 November 2023
Abstract: While the general emphasis of literary linguistics called stylistics is on the interpretation of the writer’s style, the study of mind style involves an explication of textual meaning from the reader’s perspective. The former is more writer-based while the later is more reader-biased. Interestingly, the two find their data primarily from the writer’s deft creation of text, narrator and characters. This paper examines mind style in Chimamada Ngozi Adiche’s novel, Purple Hibiscus with particular focus on Kambili, the teenage narrator. Extracts from the novel are analyzed based on linguistic and cognitive analytical parameters of persistent lexical patterns, syntactic structures, and resonating figurative language that carve a peculiar world view which characterizes the text fictional universe. The paper demonstrates that the narrator exhibits unusual mind style which projects a striking contrast of her real self through mutational narration characterized by ellipsis, predilection for syntactical pattern that makes part of her body agent instead of herself, passivisation, first person singular pronoun plus static or still verbs, and peculiar figures of speech. Through these devices, the paper shows that the narrator’s mental state is fraught with fear, muteness, frustration and intimidation in the cognitive plane, thus foregrounding her conceptualization of the suffocating reality of her household. It concludes that analysis of mind style is productive for effective reading of fiction.
Abstract: While the general emphasis of literary linguistics called stylistics is on the interpretation of the writer’s style, the study of mind style involves an explication of textual meaning from the reader’s perspective. The former is more writer-based while the later is more reader-biased. Interestingly, the two find their data primarily from the writer...
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Research Article
The Objectification of Women in Adonis Durado’s “Balaki Ko ‘Day Samtang Gasakay Ta’g Habalhabal”
Weena Mae Granada-Ampo,
Joshua Golosino Rojo
Issue:
Volume 11, Issue 6, November 2023
Pages:
239-243
Received:
24 November 2023
Accepted:
9 December 2023
Published:
18 December 2023
Abstract: This research analyzed the intricate themes of objectification of women within the context of Adonis Durado's evocative poem. The study employs a qualitative-thematic approach to dissect the poem's narrative, unraveling the pervasive societal patterns that perpetuate the commodification, erosion of self-autonomy, and vulnerability of women. The analysis unveils that women's objectification is a result of commodities for male sexual gratification. The poem exemplifies how men's focus on women's physical attributes eclipses their individuality, intellect, and emotional depth. The persona's pursuit of sexual pleasure through explicit imagery highlights the demeaning lens through which women are perceived. Further, societal norms can diminish women's authority oneself. The persona's manipulation of the addressee illustrates the power dynamics that hinder women from expressing their desires and choices freely. This portrayal underscores the importance of fostering a culture that empowers women to reclaim their autonomy and assertiveness. Lastly, women's susceptibility to exploitation illustrates the consequences of societal norms that favor male dominance. The persona's assertive sexual commands exemplify the systemic disempowerment of women, leading to their portrayal as passive subjects meant to conform to male desires. This theme highlights the pressing need to challenge such ingrained norms and foster an environment where women are recognized as equals, free from the threat of violation. Collectively, this research accentuates the significance of analyzing literary works to engage in critical conversations about gender inequality and the objectification of women. By unearthing the layers of objectification, self-autonomy erosion, and vulnerability depicted in the poem, this study underscores the role of literature in shaping our understanding of gender dynamics. It underlines the necessity for transformative social change.
Abstract: This research analyzed the intricate themes of objectification of women within the context of Adonis Durado's evocative poem. The study employs a qualitative-thematic approach to dissect the poem's narrative, unraveling the pervasive societal patterns that perpetuate the commodification, erosion of self-autonomy, and vulnerability of women. The ana...
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Research Article
The Influence of Buddhist Androgyny on Woolf’s Androgyny -- A New Exploration of A Room of One’s Own
Issue:
Volume 11, Issue 6, November 2023
Pages:
244-252
Received:
17 July 2023
Accepted:
7 August 2023
Published:
26 December 2023
Abstract: This paper makes an in-depth study of the formation of Woolf’s androgynous view, pointing out that its formation not only depends on the western background, but also is greatly influenced by Buddhism. Firstly, the connotations of Woolf’s androgynous view are summarized into three aspects: desexual connotation embedded in the “One”, dynamic trait represented by the “taxi” image, and psychological tendency embodied in androgynous writing. Then the western background resources for Woolf’s androgyny, feminism and psychoanalysis, are specifically analyzed. Finally, the logic of Buddhist androgyny affecting Woolf’s androgyny is illustrated: this paper defines Buddhist androgyny as a spiritual state dependent on sexual conversion, gender combination and desexualization, which is both the path of enlightenment and the fruit of enlightenment. Woolf’s androgyny works in the same way with Buddhist androgyny. Although Woolf herself had no direct connection with Buddhism, she was inevitably influenced by the widespread interest in it in her Bloomsbury circle, her husband’s strong support for it and her cousin’s eastward trip to Asia. The influence of Buddhism on the words and images in Woolf’s writing is also confirmed in her works, such as A Room of One’s Own. The three connotations of Woolf’s androgyny can be proved to be related to the influence of Buddhist androgyny.
Abstract: This paper makes an in-depth study of the formation of Woolf’s androgynous view, pointing out that its formation not only depends on the western background, but also is greatly influenced by Buddhism. Firstly, the connotations of Woolf’s androgynous view are summarized into three aspects: desexual connotation embedded in the “One”, dynamic trait re...
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