The Representation of Masculinity in A Thousand Splendid Suns Play Script: A Critical Stylistic Study

Abstract

The current study aims to fill the gap of exploring the linguistic elements and stylistics that influence gender identities and power dynamics by applying Critical Stylistics to analyze how stylistic and linguistic choices shape the representation of masculinity in the 'A Thousand Splendid Suns' play script. The study also aims to investigate how language shapes social concepts of gender and how stylistic choices may either reinforce or challenge traditional gender roles. It also examines how language and style interact to influence the overall formation of the main character's identity. Two of Jeffries' (2022) core Textual Conceptual Functions (TCFs), specifically "Naming and Describing" and "Representing Space, Time, and Society," are employed in the theoretical framework of analysis. In order to achieve the aims of the study, three hypotheses are proposed: Hypothesis one states: "In the play script, the 'Verb Tense' category is the most prevalent kind of process and hence the most important in conveying the idea of representing masculinity." Hypothesis two states: "The nature of the data selected for investigation plays an important role in constructing gender identities and communicating their ideologies." Hypothesis three states: "The interpretation of verbal choices within a clause is affected and may change the meaning according to the linguistic context in which they occur." The study uses qualitative analysis to study the main character (Rasheed) drawn from the play script. The character selected based on concepts like independence, strength, confidence, behavior, and being affected by others. The analysis conducted across the analysis revealed that 'naming and describing' processes are less frequently occurring compared with 'representing space, time, and society.'

Keywords: ideology, critical stylistic, naming and describing, and representing space, time, and society.