STYLISTIC ANALYSIS OF LINGUISTIC DEVIATIONS AND LITERARY DEVICES IN MAYA ANGELOU’S TOUCHED BY AN ANGEL

Abstract

This paper investigates the poem Touched by an Angel by Maya Angelou to determine how the language of the poet makes the feeling of the poem more vivid. This research has two main goals i.e., to analyze the literary devices in the poem and to consider the linguistic departures used by Angelou. The method applied in this research paper is qualitative where the poem’s language and style are closely read and interpreted. Data was obtained by close reading, which involves an intensive study of each word and phrase to understand the importance and effects. The above mentioned data was processed through the method of textual analysis, which examines the contents, organization and language of the poem to communicate its underlying meanings and feelings. The theory that forms the basis of this study is the principles of stylistics as described by Geoffrey Leech and Michael Short. This method allows to present how the use of literary devices such as metaphors and alliteration and linguistic deviations such as unusual word orders provided by Angelou enriches the poem’s expression. Important results of this research indicate that Angelou successfully employs these stylistic and linguistic devices to intensify the emotive impact of the poem. Such devices as metaphors and personification make the theme of love more explicit and personal, whereas the rhythm and structure of the poem reinforce its emotional stream. Linguistic deviations serve to underline core themes and readers’ attention which enhances their interaction with the text of the poem. This study emphasizes on the ways in which Angelous style and language decisions support the strong representation of the themes in her poetry.