IDENTIFYING ALLEGORY IN THE MOON AND SIXPENCE BY WILLIAM SOMERSET MAUGHAM APPLYING ANTCONC SOFTWARE

Abstract

The article aims to research allegory from the perspective of literary stylistics as practice of analyzing the language of literature using linguistic concepts and categories, with the goal of explaining how literary meaning are created by specific language choices and patterning, the linguistic foregrounding, in the text (M. Toolan) [1]. Allegory is particularly connected to the literary content of a literary work. Therefore, its study intends to be held exclusively in consideration of context. Thus, the purpose of this research is to determine the lexical and semantic features of allegory and their communicative function in the novel The Moon and Sixpence by William Somerset Maugham. For this purpose, the following methods are involved: the method of literary stylistic analysis; hypothetical-deductive; descriptive; and quantitative analysis with the help of AntConc software. Conventionally accepted interpretations of allegory in the novel are based on the symbolism of the moon and sixpence, Charles Strickland’s prototype and one’s vocation as an artist. Other aspects of allegoricality are provided, particularly the religious and philosophical ones, as well as the idea of pure artistic pursuit, the symbolic nature of the island, leprosy, and evil forces. The communicative function of allegory is investigated through specific quotes from the novel as a two-facet concept, revealed directly from the author to the reader and indirectly through the communication of characters. Allegory functions as an informative, expressive, emotive, and stimulative tool. It is also used for criticism, ridicule, public opinion formation, and communicating the socio-historical background of Maugham’s life. Thus, results of the survey showed that conventional interpretations stimulate more subjective alternative ones. The latter creates a foundation for further expansion of the research. Practical implications.The research aims at generating considerable interest in terms of how allegoresis might contribute to new allegory rendering. Some individual hypotheses on allegory in “The Moon and Sixpence” are suggested as a contribution to further examination of the unconventional novel’s meaning. Value/originality.A challenging area in the field is the scale of influence allegory possesses on text comprehension in an immediate relationship with the deepness and ambiguity of the allegory itself including its communicative function realization.