AN INVESTIGATION INTO STYLISTIC DEVICES COMMONLY USED IN THE NOVEL TO KILL A MOCKINGBIRD BY HARPER LEE

Abstract

This thesis examined the stylistic devices frequently used in Harper Lee’s novel To Kill a Mockingbird. An analysis was made to find out the commonly used stylistic devices and and point out the devices used the most. The data of the study were the original work of the novel To Kill a Mockingbird and were described and analyzed on stylistic aspects under qualitative and quantitative approaches. The analysis was based on the collection of 240 examples which were taken from the novel. The thesis tried to find out commonly used stylistic devices in the novel, namely simile, metaphor, personification and repetition. The author hopes to prove the important role of stylistics and stylistic devices to literary analysis. In general, simile is used at the highest frequency, then comes metaphor. Repetion and personification have smaller numbers. On the basis of the findings, this thesis set out some implications and suggestions for learning and teaching English. The research result could be useful for readers, learners and teachers of English, especially those who are interested in literature.