What This Document Is
This document is an academic article from the *Journal of Languages, Linguistics and Literary Studies* exploring the application of pragmatic theory – specifically Grice’s theory of Conversational Implicature – to the poetry of Audre Lorde. The research focuses on two of Lorde’s poems, “Coal” and “Hanging Fire,” analyzing how meaning is constructed beyond the literal words on the page. It investigates how Lorde’s work adheres to, or deviates from, the principles of cooperative communication outlined by Grice.
Why This Document Matters
This article is valuable for students and scholars of literary studies, linguistics, and pragmatics. It’s particularly relevant for those interested in Audre Lorde’s work and seeking new analytical approaches to her poetry. The study offers a unique perspective by applying linguistic principles to literary interpretation, potentially enriching understanding of the nuances within Lorde’s writing. It’s useful in advanced undergraduate or graduate coursework where pragmatic analysis is introduced.
Common Limitations or Challenges
This article provides a focused analysis of *two* poems by Audre Lorde. It does not offer a comprehensive overview of her entire poetic output, nor does it provide a general introduction to Audre Lorde’s life or broader themes in her work. The analysis is specifically grounded in Gricean pragmatics; readers unfamiliar with this theory may need additional background reading to fully appreciate the arguments presented.
What This Document Provides
The full article includes: an abstract summarizing the research; a detailed introduction to the theory of Conversational Implicature and its four maxims (Quantity, Quality, Manner, and Relation); a close reading of “Coal” and “Hanging Fire” through a pragmatic lens; an assessment of how Lorde’s poems utilize or challenge Grice’s principles; and a list of keywords for indexing. This preview only provides a summary of the article’s scope and purpose. It does *not* include the full text of the analysis, the specific examples from the poems, or the detailed discussion of Grice’s maxims in relation to Lorde’s work.
