The Role of Discourse Markers in Organizing Literary Discourse: H.G. Wells’ The Time Machine as a Case Study

Abstract

This paper aims at investigating the role played by discourse markers in organizing literary English. It is argued here that discourse organization can be achieved by different means. Discourse markers are proposed as an explanation for the construction of discourse organization and coherence. The researchers here analyzed forty-five sentences chosen purposely from the novel enlisted The Time Machine within the framework of pragmatics as a perspective. The results of the analysis reveal that discourse markers are pervasive in the language since they are important prerequisites for successful or accurate wording. They indicate the intentional as well as the structural aspect of discourse. They also guide the reader in the recognition of relations which make discourse well organized and thereby they facilitate comprehension.