همایش رویکردهای میان رشته ای به آموزش زبان، ادبیات و مطالعات ترجمه

صفحه اصلی / پنجمین همایش رویکردهای میان رشته ای به آموزش زبان، ادبیات و مطالعات ترجمه

Breaking Down the “Mending Wall”: A Transitivity Analysis of Robert Frost’s Poem

نویسندگان :

Melika Ramzi¹

1- دانشگاه شهید بهشتی

کلمات کلیدی :

Mending Wall،Power Dynamics،Process Types،Systemic Functional Linguistics (SFL)،Transitivity

چکیده :

This study utilizes Michael A. K. Halliday’s transitivity theory within Systemic Functional Linguistics (SFL) to analyze Robert Frost’s poem entitled “Mending Wall.” By examining verb functions and their process types, the present analysis explores how these elements shape the text’s function and reveal underlying power dynamics. While linguistically simple, the poem presents a complex interplay of thoughts and actions through the speaker’s paradoxical narrative. The study first situates the poem within the context of previous linguistic analyses. The methodology section outlines the classification of verbs into six process types: material, mental, relational, behavioral, verbal, and existential. This framework is applied to each line of the poem to identify and categorize the processes involved. The discussion section provides a detailed breakdown of these processes, highlighting the predominance of material processes, which illustrate physical actions and experiences. Further analysis distinguishes human and non-human agents, revealing how the speaker’s transitivity choices reflect their inner conflicts and complex relationship with the neighbor. The study uncovers the speaker’s active role in maintaining the wall, despite their verbal claims against it, thus portraying a more profound psychological struggle. Additionally, the paper examines the speaker’s use of mental and verbal processes to explore their internal thoughts and lack of effective communication with the neighbor. Finally, by focusing on verb choices and process types, the study offers a comprehensive understanding of the poem’s thematic and stylistic intricacies. This analysis contributes to literary discourse by bridging linguistic analysis and literary interpretation, providing new insights into Frost’s poetic techniques and the underlying meanings of “Mending Wall.”