Examining Societal Expectations and Power Structures in Jamaica Kincaid's "Girl" Using Van Dijk's Framework

Abstract

This research employs Van Dijk's framework to analyze societal expectations and power structures depicted in Jamaica Kincaid's "Girl." This study, utilizing Van Dijk's Critical Discourse Analysis approach, explores how text and talk within the story manifest, perpetuate, and challenge social power abuse, dominance, and inequality. Through a descriptive qualitative analysis, this research delves into the power dynamics, language use, and gender roles within the narrative, uncovering instances of power relations and disciplinary mechanisms. The study explores how language functions as a form of power, regulating social realities and constructing gendered norms. It also examines the ways in which the characters negotiate and resist societal expectations, revealing moments of agency within the text. Ultimately, this analysis sheds light on the complex interplay between language, power, and societal expectations in "Girl," contributing to a deeper understanding of the narrative's socio-political implications.