Course: Stylistics (9062) Semester: Spring, 2024

Level: BS (English)
ASSIGNMENT No. 2
(Units 6-9)

Q.1 Explain what is a preferred and a dispreferred response in adjacency pairs

of turns. Also, explain how a dispreferred response is significant for style
through an example of a conversation from a literary text?(20)

Preferred and Dispreferred Responses in Adjacency Pairs

Adjacency Pairs: Adjacency pairs are two-part exchanges in conversation where

the first part (an initiating turn) sets up an expectation for a specific kind of response
(a responding turn). Examples include question-answer, greeting-greeting, offer-
acceptance/rejection, and request-compliance/refusal.

Preferred Response: A preferred response is the expected or socially acceptable

reply that aligns with the initiator's expectations. It is typically delivered promptly
and directly.

Examples:

• Question: "Would you like some coffee?"

o Preferred Response: "Yes, please."
• Invitation: "Do you want to join us for dinner?"
o Preferred Response: "Sure, I'd love to."

Dispreferred Response: A dispreferred response deviates from the expected reply

and is often socially awkward or negative. It usually comes with delays, hesitations,
mitigations, or explanations to soften the impact.

Examples:

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Course: Stylistics (9062) Semester: Spring, 2024
Level: BS (English)
• Question: "Would you like some coffee?"
o Dispreferred Response: "Well, actually, I'm trying to cut down on
caffeine."
• Invitation: "Do you want to join us for dinner?"
o Dispreferred Response: "I'm sorry, I have other plans."

Significance of Dispreferred Responses in Style

Dispreferred responses are significant in conversation because they reveal the

social dynamics and the complexities of interaction. They often indicate tension,
politeness strategies, or underlying conflicts, making them useful tools in literary
texts to develop characters, create conflict, or enhance realism.

Example from a Literary Text

Example from "Pride and Prejudice" by Jane Austen:

Context: Mr. Collins proposes to Elizabeth Bennet.

• Initiating Turn (Proposal):

o Mr. Collins: "My reasons for marrying are, first, that I think it a right
thing for every clergyman in easy circumstances (like myself) to set the
example of matrimony in his parish. Secondly, that I am convinced it
will add very greatly to my happiness; and thirdly - which perhaps I
ought to have mentioned earlier, that it is the particular advice and
recommendation of the very noble lady whom I have the honour of
calling patroness. Twice has she condescended to give me her opinion
(unasked too!) on this subject; and it was but the very Saturday night
before I left Hunsford - between our pools at quadrille, while Mrs.
Jenkinson was arranging Miss de Bourgh's footstool, that she said, 'Mr.

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Course: Stylistics (9062) Semester: Spring, 2024
Level: BS (English)
Collins, you must marry. A clergyman like you must marry. Choose
properly, choose a gentlewoman for my sake; and for your own, let her
be an active, useful sort of person, not brought up too high, but able to
make a small income go a good way. This is my advice. Find such a
woman as soon as you can, bring her to Hunsford, and I will visit her.'
Allow me, by the way, to observe, my fair cousin, that I do not reckon
the notice and kindness of Lady Catherine de Bourgh as among the least
of the advantages in my power to offer."
o Preferred Response: A socially acceptable response would be a polite
acceptance or at least a hesitant consideration.
• Responding Turn (Rejection):
o Elizabeth: "You are too hasty, sir. I am very sensible of the honour of
your proposals, but it is impossible for me to do otherwise than to
decline them."
o Dispreferred Response: Elizabeth’s rejection is delayed and mitigated
with politeness. She acknowledges the honor but firmly declines, which
is unexpected and socially awkward in the context of the time.

Significance in Style

Tension and Conflict:

• The dispreferred response creates tension and conflict between Elizabeth and
Mr. Collins, highlighting their incompatible personalities and values. It
underscores Elizabeth’s independence and assertiveness, contrasting with Mr.
Collins’s obsequiousness and lack of genuine understanding.

Character Development:

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Course: Stylistics (9062) Semester: Spring, 2024
Level: BS (English)
• Elizabeth’s response shows her wit, integrity, and unwillingness to marry
without affection. Mr. Collins’s reaction to her rejection further exposes his
character traits, such as his inability to perceive Elizabeth’s true feelings and
his reliance on social conventions.

Q.2 How can cognitive metaphor theory account for the transference of
concepts from one domain to another? Exemplify and illustrate the
conceptual mapping through a diagram. (20)

Cognitive Metaphor Theory and Conceptual Metaphors

Cognitive Metaphor Theory: Proposed by George Lakoff and Mark Johnson in

their seminal work "Metaphors We Live By" (1980), cognitive metaphor theory
posits that metaphors are not just linguistic expressions but also fundamental to
human thought processes. According to this theory, our understanding of abstract
concepts is often grounded in more concrete, experiential terms through a process
called conceptual mapping.

Conceptual Mapping: This process involves transferring or mapping structures

from one domain of experience (source domain) onto another domain (target
domain). The source domain is typically more concrete and familiar, while the target
domain is more abstract and complex.

Example: LOVE IS A JOURNEY

Source Domain: Journey (concrete, physical experience) Target Domain: Love

(abstract, emotional experience)

Conceptual Mapping

1. Travelers → Partners in a relationship

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Course: Stylistics (9062) Semester: Spring, 2024
Level: BS (English)
2. Journey → Relationship
3. Destination → Relationship goals
4. Vehicle → Means of maintaining the relationship
5. Obstacles → Challenges in the relationship
6. Path → The course of the relationship

Exemplification

Expressions:

• "We’re at a crossroads in our relationship."

• "They have a rocky relationship."
• "We’re moving forward together."
• "They went their separate ways."
• "We’ve come a long way in our relationship."

Diagram: Conceptual Mapping

Below is a simplified diagram illustrating the conceptual mapping between the

source domain (Journey) and the target domain (Love):
css
Copy code
Source Domain (Journey) Target Domain (Love)
------------------------ --------------------
Traveler (Person A) → Partner A
Traveler (Person B) → Partner B
Journey → Relationship
Destination → Relationship goals
Vehicle → Means of maintaining the relationship

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Course: Stylistics (9062) Semester: Spring, 2024
Level: BS (English)
Obstacles → Challenges in the relationship
Path → The course of the relationship

Illustration through Examples

1. "We’re at a crossroads in our relationship."

o Source Domain: Crossroads (a point where a path splits into multiple
directions)
o Target Domain: A critical decision point in the relationship
2. "They have a rocky relationship."
o Source Domain: Rocky path (a difficult, uneven journey)
o Target Domain: A challenging and troubled relationship
3. "We’re moving forward together."
o Source Domain: Moving forward (progressing along a journey)
o Target Domain: Making progress in the relationship
4. "They went their separate ways."
o Source Domain: Travelers taking different paths
o Target Domain: Partners ending their relationship
5. "We’ve come a long way in our relationship."
o Source Domain: Traveling a long distance
o Target Domain: Achieving significant progress in the relationship

Significance of Conceptual Metaphors

Understanding and Communication: Conceptual metaphors help people make

sense of abstract concepts by relating them to familiar experiences. They are
pervasive in everyday language and thought, shaping how we perceive and
communicate about the world.

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Course: Stylistics (9062) Semester: Spring, 2024
Level: BS (English)
Cultural Influence: Different cultures may use different source domains for the
same target domain, reflecting cultural variations in metaphorical thinking.

Conclusion

Cognitive metaphor theory provides a framework for understanding how abstract

concepts are comprehended and communicated through metaphorical mappings. By
transferring structures from concrete source domains to abstract target domains,
metaphors facilitate a deeper and more intuitive understanding of complex ideas.
The example of LOVE IS A JOURNEY demonstrates how this conceptual mapping
works, illustrating the theory's explanatory power in everyday language and thought.

Q.3 Choose an example of metonymy from any literary work and explain the
impact the writer creates on readers' mind through its use.
(20)

Example of Metonymy from Literature: Shakespeare's "Julius Caesar"

In Shakespeare's play "Julius Caesar," there is a notable use of metonymy in the

following line:

"Friends, Romans, countrymen, lend me your ears."

Explanation of Metonymy and its Impact

Metonymy is a figure of speech where one term is substituted for another with which
it is closely associated. In the line above, "ears" is used metonymically to refer to
the attention or audience of the people listening. Here’s how this impacts the reader:

1. Vivid Imagery: By using "ears" instead of "attention" or "listeners,"

Shakespeare creates a vivid image that appeals directly to the senses. The

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Course: Stylistics (9062) Semester: Spring, 2024
Level: BS (English)
physical act of lending one's ears evokes a clear picture of people leaning in
to listen intently.
2. Rhetorical Effectiveness: The use of metonymy makes the appeal more
rhetorically powerful and memorable. It transforms a mundane request for
attention into a compelling call to action, emphasizing the urgency and
importance of the speaker's message.
3. Emotional Appeal: Metonymy often carries emotional connotations. In this
case, the phrase "lend me your ears" suggests a moment of critical importance,
where the speaker addresses the audience in a time of crisis (after Caesar's
assassination). The emotional weight of the situation is heightened by the
direct and urgent appeal.
4. Cultural and Historical Context: In the context of ancient Rome, where
oratory and public speeches held immense significance, the use of metonymy
adds authenticity and resonance. It aligns with the rhetorical techniques used
by Roman leaders to sway public opinion and mobilize support.
5. Memorability: The use of metonymy in such a well-known line ensures its
lasting impact on readers and audiences. It becomes a quotable phrase that
encapsulates the power of persuasion and rhetoric in Shakespeare's portrayal
of political turmoil and public discourse.

Overall Impact

Through the use of metonymy in "Friends, Romans, countrymen, lend me your ears,"
Shakespeare achieves several effects simultaneously: he creates vivid imagery,
enhances rhetorical effectiveness, evokes emotional resonance, aligns with historical
context, and ensures memorability. This line not only advances the plot by marking
a pivotal moment in the play but also showcases Shakespeare's mastery of language
and rhetoric in capturing the essence of public persuasion and political drama.

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Course: Stylistics (9062) Semester: Spring, 2024
Level: BS (English)

What are Narratives?

Narratives are structured accounts of events, typically involving characters,

settings, and a sequence of actions or happenings. They are fundamental to
storytelling across various forms of literature and media. Narratives can be fictional
or non-fictional and often follow a plot with a beginning, middle, and end.

Key Components of Narratives:

1. Characters: The individuals involved in the story.

2. Setting: The time and place where the story occurs.
3. Plot: The sequence of events that make up the story.
4. Conflict: The central struggle or problem that drives the plot.
5. Resolution: The outcome or solution to the conflict.

Narrative Stylistics

Narrative stylistics is a branch of stylistics that focuses on the linguistic and

structural features of narratives. It examines how language is used to construct
stories, considering elements such as narrative voice, point of view, temporal
structure, and rhetorical devices. By analyzing these features, narrative stylistics
helps uncover the unique style of various literary genres.

How Narrative Stylistics Helps Uncover Literary Styles

1. Narrative Voice and Point of View:

o First-person Narratives: These narratives use the pronoun "I" and
provide a personal, subjective perspective. Narrative stylistics can

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Course: Stylistics (9062) Semester: Spring, 2024
Level: BS (English)
analyze the reliability of the narrator, their emotional tone, and their
inner thoughts.
▪ Example: In Charlotte Brontë's "Jane Eyre," the first-person
narrative offers a deep psychological insight into Jane's
character.
o Third-person Narratives: These narratives use "he," "she," or "they"
and can be omniscient or limited. Analysis can reveal how the narrator's
knowledge and focus affect the reader's understanding.
▪ Example: In J.K. Rowling's "Harry Potter" series, the third-
person limited perspective allows readers to closely follow
Harry's experiences while maintaining some narrative distance.
2. Temporal Structure:
o Chronological Order: Events are presented in the order they occur.
o Non-linear Narratives: These narratives may include flashbacks,
flash-forwards, or fragmented timelines. Stylistic analysis can explore
how these techniques affect the reader's perception and engagement.
▪ Example: William Faulkner's "The Sound and the Fury" uses a
non-linear narrative to reflect the fragmented consciousness of
its characters.
3. Rhetorical Devices:
o Metaphor and Symbolism: Stylistics can uncover the deeper
meanings behind the use of metaphors and symbols in narratives.
▪ Example: In Herman Melville's "Moby-Dick," the white whale
symbolizes different things to different characters, and stylistic
analysis can help unpack these layers of meaning.
o Imagery and Descriptive Language: Analysis can reveal how
descriptive language creates mood, setting, and character.

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Course: Stylistics (9062) Semester: Spring, 2024
Level: BS (English)
▪ Example: In Thomas Hardy's "Tess of the d'Urbervilles," the
rich descriptions of the English countryside contribute to the
novel's atmosphere and themes.

Q.4 What are narratives? How can narrative stylistics help uncover the style
of various literary genres? (20)

1. Characterization and Dialogue:

o Character Development: Stylistics can analyze how language is used
to develop characters and their relationships.
▪ Example: In Jane Austen's "Pride and Prejudice," the witty and
ironic dialogue between Elizabeth Bennet and Mr. Darcy reveals
their evolving relationship and character traits.
o Dialogue: The analysis of dialogue can show how characters' speech
patterns, vocabulary, and interactions contribute to the narrative style.
▪ Example: In Mark Twain's "The Adventures of Huckleberry
Finn," the use of regional dialects and colloquial language adds
authenticity and depth to the characters and setting.

Applying Narrative Stylistics to Various Literary Genres

1. Realist Fiction:
o Focus on detailed descriptions, complex characters, and plausible
events.
o Stylistic analysis can reveal how language creates a sense of reality and
engages readers with relatable experiences.
2. Modernist Fiction:

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Course: Stylistics (9062) Semester: Spring, 2024
Level: BS (English)
o Often characterized by stream-of-consciousness techniques,
fragmented structure, and experimental language.
o Stylistics can explore how these elements reflect the inner lives of
characters and the uncertainties of the modern world.
3. Postmodern Fiction:
o Features metafiction, pastiche, and non-linear narratives.
o Analysis can uncover how these techniques challenge traditional
storytelling and engage with contemporary themes.
4. Science Fiction and Fantasy:
o Use of world-building, neologisms, and imaginative scenarios.
o Stylistic analysis can show how language constructs alternate realities
and explores speculative ideas.
5. Mystery and Thriller:
o Emphasis on suspense, plot twists, and detailed plotting.
o Analysis can reveal how language creates tension and keeps readers
guessing.

Conclusion

Narrative stylistics provides a comprehensive toolkit for analyzing the linguistic and
structural features of narratives. By examining elements such as narrative voice,
temporal structure, rhetorical devices, and characterization, stylistic analysis can
uncover the unique styles of various literary genres. This approach not only enhances
our understanding of individual works but also enriches our appreciation of the
diverse ways in which stories can be told.

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Course: Stylistics (9062) Semester: Spring, 2024
Level: BS (English)
Q.5 Choose a short literary text and apply the tools of the word list and
keyword list to uncover any salient aspect of style to aid its literary
interpretation.

Let's choose a short literary text and apply the tools of the word list and keyword list
to uncover salient aspects of style. I'll use an excerpt from Franz Kafka's famous
novella "The Metamorphosis."

Excerpt from "The Metamorphosis":

"As Gregor Samsa awoke one morning from uneasy dreams he found himself
transformed in his bed into a gigantic insect. He was lying on his hard, as it were
armor-plated, back and when he lifted his head a little he could see his domelike
brown belly divided into stiff arched segments on top of which the bed quilt could
hardly keep in position and was about to slide off completely. His numerous legs,
which were pitifully thin compared to the rest of his bulk, waved helplessly before
his eyes."

Word List Analysis

Let's compile a list of words that stand out in this excerpt and analyze their
significance in terms of style:

1. uneasy - Sets the tone of discomfort and foreboding.

2. transformed - Key to the plot, marking the sudden and dramatic change.
3. gigantic - Emphasizes the drastic nature of the transformation.
4. insect - The specific nature of the transformation, adding to the grotesque
imagery.
5. armor-plated - Evokes a sense of hardness and unnaturalness.

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Course: Stylistics (9062) Semester: Spring, 2024
Level: BS (English)
6. domelike - Describes the shape of Gregor's belly, adding to the surreal
imagery.
7. stiff - Describes the segments of his belly, suggesting rigidity and
unnaturalness.
8. pitifully - Emphasizes the weakness or vulnerability of his legs.
9. helplessly - Conveys Gregor's lack of control over his new condition.
10.quilt - Mundane object contrasting with the extraordinary situation, adding to
the uncanny atmosphere.

Keyword List Analysis

Let's identify keywords that reveal thematic and stylistic elements:

1. Transformation - Central theme and plot device.

2. Grotesque - Describes the surreal and disturbing imagery.
3. Surreal - Reflects the dreamlike and uncanny quality of the narrative.
4. Uncanny - Creates a sense of strangeness and unease.
5. Discomfort - Sets the emotional tone of the narrative.
6. Alienation - Gregor's transformation leads to his isolation and estrangement.
7. Physicality - Detailed description of Gregor's new physical form.
8. Vulnerability - Gregor's helpless state emphasizes his vulnerability.
9. Imagery - Rich visual descriptions enhance the reader's immersion.
10.Symbolism - The insect symbolism suggests deeper meanings related to
Gregor's identity and society's perception of him.

Salient Aspects of Style Uncovered

1. Imagery and Descriptive Detail: Kafka's style is characterized by rich,

detailed imagery that vividly portrays Gregor's transformation and its physical

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Course: Stylistics (9062) Semester: Spring, 2024
Level: BS (English)
effects. Words like "armor-plated," "domelike," and "pitifully thin" evoke a
vivid picture of Gregor's new insect-like form.
2. Uncanny Atmosphere: Through keywords like "surreal," "uncanny," and
"discomfort," Kafka creates an atmosphere of unease and strangeness. The
sudden and inexplicable transformation contributes to this atmosphere,
blurring the line between reality and unreality.
3. Symbolism and Theme: The word "transformation" not only describes the
literal change but also symbolizes broader themes of identity, alienation, and
the human condition. Kafka uses Gregor's metamorphosis to explore
existential themes and societal alienation.
4. Characterization: Despite the surreal nature of the transformation, Kafka's
style allows for a deep exploration of Gregor's inner life and emotional state.
Words like "helplessly" and "pitifully thin" emphasize Gregor's emotional and
physical vulnerability, enhancing reader empathy.

Conclusion

Through the word list and keyword list analysis, we've uncovered several salient
aspects of Kafka's style in "The Metamorphosis," including rich imagery, an
uncanny atmosphere, symbolism, and deep characterization. These stylistic elements
not only contribute to the narrative's emotional impact but also aid in interpreting
Kafka's exploration of existential themes and the human experience. Kafka's
meticulous use of language and imagery invites readers to delve into the
complexities of identity, alienation, and transformation.

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