Supervisors info:
Ελένη Παναρέτου, Αναπληρώτρια Καθηγήτρια, Τμήμα Φιλολογίας, Φιλοσοφική Σχολή ΕΚΠΑ
Summary:
The paper examines the function of construal operations in Rhoides’ short story, 'The gravedigger’s complaint'. The central purpose is to explore the way in which construal operations contribute to the story’s meaning, facilitating the writer’s goals. Following the theory of R. W. Langacker on construal operations (2008: 55-89) and after carefully reading the text, a large number of construal elements was detected. The examples selected and then categorized were the ones serving the purpose of the paper in the best and most representative manner. The relevant theory of Croft & Cruse (2004: 46) was also used, either comparatively or in order to provide complementary information in relation to the basic theory, wherever necessary. This paper finds that, in this particular short story, construal operations are used by the writer in a very inventive way. They render Rhoides’ piece more verisimilar, with the narration commencing from different points of view, something that creates the impression of a ‘three-dimensional’ work. Moreover, as used here, construal operations result in the readers’ identification with the characters and encourage their active participation in the procedure of constructing and understanding the meaning. At the same time, they subserve the limited length which characterizes short stories as a text genre. This is achieved by propelling the plot forward where needed, as well as evaluating its components, thus focusing on the most important ones.
Keywords:
construal, cognitive grammar, langacker, short story, Rhoides
