A Linguistic-stylistic Analysis of Lewis Carroll’s Jabberwocky

Abstract

This article attempts at conducting a stylistic analytical study of a renowned poem by Lewis Carroll, Jabberwocky. It tries to unveil the variations and schemes of linguistic stylistics that can be found in the poem. Carroll’s famed poem captivates with its linguistic deviations and imaginative storytelling. This scholarly investigation embarks on a comprehensive stylistic analysis of the iconic poem, delving into its distinctive linguistic features. By exploring Carroll’s masterful manipulation of language, especially in the realm of linguistics and stylistics, this research aims at unraveling the poetic brilliance and esthetic allure of Jabberwocky. The inquiry commences with a meticulous examination of Carroll’s artful utilization of linguistic play, boldly challenging conventional language norms and stretching the reader’s comprehension. The poem’s unique blend of real and invented words creates boundless creativity. His language exhibits distinctiveness and versatility, employing a diverse array of grammatical and poetic devices to manifest his unique style, thereby adding depth and intrigue to the poem. The methodology entails a comprehensive stylistic analysis based on Geoffrey Leech’s eight models of deviations and schemes. Overall, this article will show how linguistic-stylistic bridges the gap between language and literature studies, enriching researchers’ understanding of poetry within applied linguistics by scrutinizing the poet’s linguistic devices, structures, and effects. The article will encompass a theoretical explanation within the domains of literary analysis, poetic language analysis, and cognitive poetry in the realm of linguistic analysis.