DA and Literary Analysis

Sample A

Comprehending a literary exchange requires more than just understanding the linguistic data. In fact,
various aspects of the context are fundamental to grasp the meaning behind any interaction. This
intricate relationship between linguistic and non-linguistic material is a concern of discourse analysis,
as Brian Paltridge (2006) explains.

Discourse analysis studies patterns that surpass language and examines in detail the sociocultural
context in which language is used; ergo, exploring the historical background and setting of a story is
essential. The exchange from The Dark Room, for instance, is set in Germany in the period after
World War II. This knowledge aids readers in understanding the fight between Lore and the farmer’s
son, which was induced by Lore’s parents being nazis. Moreover, this context suggests why Lore
decided to lie to her siblings: she is probably trying to shield them from the possibility of their mother
being imprisoned.

Another significant aspect of the context to consider is the identities of the participants involved in it.
According to Paltridge, “the use of language is influenced by relationships between participants”
(2006:2). The use of language is one way to elucidate who we are and how we wish to be recognized:
it serves to establish what Paltridge denominates “socially situated identities” (2006:11). In the
novella, Lore is the older sister and, through language, she asserts her authority. To exemplify, with
the phrase “Because I say so” she positions herself as the one with power, as the older sister who will
take care of her siblings. Furthermore, even though this exchange happens very early in the novella, it
already displays how power dynamics will work as the story unfolds. Lore is the one who will lead
their journey, and her siblings will have to do as she commands.

To conclude, discourse analysis operates as a useful approach to comprehend not only how we
interpret language in everyday experiences, but also to discern literary pieces. By focusing on
elements of the social and cultural context, this approach seeks to explain how people interpret text .
Accordingly, it provides readers with knowledge concerning what we ought to ponder to have a deep
perception of interactions such as the one in The Dark Room. Had we not considered these elements,
the analysis of the exchange would have been shallow.

Sample B

The focus of discourse analysis on the necessary knowledge for successful communications
allows us to reflect on a text in a wider scope—because of its interest in language and its
social and cultural context of usage. Hence, discourse analysis can be helpful in our
understanding of the novel The Dark Room (2001) by Rachel Seiffert.

If we analyse, for instance, Lore’s interaction with her siblings on page 86 of Lore’s chapter,
a lot of information can be disclosed as regards: views of the world, identities, relations, etc.
This information is not made explicit in the text yet, once we subject it to discourse analysis,
it becomes apparent. To illustrate this, Lore’s brother’s confusion about Lore’s motives for
lying to their mother about the incident with the eggs is noteworthy. Initially, it exhibits Lore’s
and Jochen's different views of the world, however, it also evidences Lore’s relation of
authority over her younger brothers who must do as she says. Additionally, considering the
context in which the novel is set and the previous pages’ information, Lore’s concern about
food accounts for her attitude and her need to lie to her mother. All in all, as important as
the background information may be for discourse analysis, not contemplating it may attain
erroneous conclusions. Notably, one may assume from this excerpt that Lore is bossy, she
does not want to admit she was the one who broke the eggs, and that she is evil for calling
the boy stupid; it is beyond doubt that this is not the case.

In this manner, the war, the lack of food to spare, and Lore’s responsibility as the oldest
sister, not to mention others, are key information. Nevertheless, although not mentioned in
the text, they can be retrieved by discourse analysis. Thus, this examination of language that
goes beyond the sentence level and is concerned with the language in use is very
productive and significant. Our understanding of this novel’s exchange would not be the
same without discourse analysis.