Abstract
AbstractThis article deals with the Reaction Object Construction (ROC), as inShe smiled disbelief, where an intransitive verb (smile), by adding an emotional object (disbelief), acquires the extended sense âexpress X by Vâingâ (i.e. âShe expressed disbelief by smilingâ). Earlier research has suggested a diachronic connection between the ROC and Direct Discourse Constructions (DDCs) of the typeShe smiled, âI donât believe youâ(Visser 1963â1973). More recently,Bouso (2018)has shown that the ROC is primarily a feature of 19th century narrative fiction. This paper aims to bring together these insights. On the basis of a self-compiled corpus and De SmetâsCorpus of English Novels, it investigates the productivity of the ROC in 19th and 20th century fiction, and the role of DDCs in its development. The results reveal a peak in the productivity of the ROC that coincides with the development of the sentimental novel, and a correlation between the development of the ROC on the one hand and of those DDCs that have been mistakenly hypothesised to be its single source constructions on the other. Extravagance is proposed as a triggering factor for the use of the ROC in the 19th century as an alternative to DDCs.
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Disclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.