Unveiling Layers of Meaning: A Multimodal Stylistic Exploration of Dr. A. R. Tabassum's The Last Word

Abstract

This study explores the stylistic elements in the short story The Last Word written by Dr. A. R. Tabassum. The study aims to explore the linguistic features of Dr. A. R. Tabassum's short story The Last Word focusing the elements such as repetition, alliteration, and allegory to uncover the impact of these devices in contribution to the overall meaning of the text. Moreover, it also adds the interplay of various semiotic modes like textual, visual and auditory within the text to reveal the complexities of the story's non-linear structure and thematic depth. The text of the story The Last Word was analysed by using Paul Simpson’s framework in Stylistics: A Resource Book for Students (2004). This framework facilitates the exploration of multiple semiotic modes, including visual, auditory, and textual elements, allowing for a comprehensive examination of these components that contribute to the narrative's meaning. The qualitative research method involved a close reading of the text to identify key stylistic devices such as repetition, alliteration, and allegory qualitative analysis methods were utilized to interpret their significance in context. This paper reveals the embedded meaning in the text and highlights the interplay of linguistic choices and evocative imagery to enhance the narrative’s emotional resonance and reader engagement. The findings indicate that a multimodal approach not only enriches the understanding of the story but also reveals the complexities of its non-linear structure and thematic depth. Ultimately, this analysis underscores the significance of integrating multimodal stylistics in literary studies, advocating for a broader comprehension of narratives that engage and affect readers through various semiotic modes.