A Critical Discourse Analysis of Warsan Shire's Poem "The House"
Author: Muhammad Haroon Jakhrani*, Muhammad Hassan Shaikh
M.phil in English, Institute of Southern Punjab (ISP), Multan, Pakistan
Published Date: 2023-09-08
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Keywords: Critical Discourse Analysis, Three-dimensional Model, Fairclough, Warsan Shire, Poem, Linguistics.
Abstract:
This research paper presents a critical discourse analysis (CDA) of Warsan
Shire's poem "The House" through the lens of Fairclough's Three-dimensional Model
of CDA. The study aims to examine the language, context, and power relations within
the poem to unravel its sociopolitical implications, specifically focusing on themes of
identity, displacement, and the refugee experience. By analyzing Warsan Shire's
linguistic choices, rhetorical devices, and metaphors, this research delves into the
meanings and broader cultural and societal issues embedded within the text. The
findings contribute to the field of linguistics, discourse analysis, and literature by
expanding the application of CDA to poetry analysis, highlighting the sociopolitical
relevance of Shire's work, promoting empathy and awareness regarding the global
refugee crisis, and deepening the appreciation for the power of language and literature
in shaping our understanding of the world. While the research paper acknowledges
limitations in terms of sample size, subjectivity, and specific cultural context, it offers
valuable insights into the application of Fairclough's model to poetry analysis and
provides a focused examination of the chosen poem, "The House," as a medium for
cultural critique and social commentary.
