Language analysis of literature examines a text to identify elements of language in use to produce meaning, form and function. Elements to analyze are:
- phonology: sounds of speech, word and sentence stress, intonation and rhythm, and features of connected speech
- function: the purpose, context, situations and speakers in which and by whom language is used
- syntax: the organization of words in accord with prescribed word order
- semantics: organization of units of separate meaning into a whole that conveys unified meaning
- diction: the origin, grammatical categories and effects of word choices
- register [related to diction]: language appropriate to given events, places and persons
- form: the arrangement of language and the rules that govern that arrangement (e.g., lyric poetic form, rhetorical speech form, dramatic form, sonnet form)
Applying some of these elements of language analysis to some distinctive features of The Servant of Two Masters will...
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set the framework for a fuller analysis. Some distinctive language features ofThe Servant are form (here
drama), register (here upper class Italian),
and function (here satire, comedy and
irony).
Form: The form of The Servant is the dramatic form;
it is a play in three acts with a prelude of songs, the last act having four
scenes and the first two acts having three scenes each. In the convention of a
satirical comedy, the speeches are not long-winded; the pace between actors is
generally lively and energetic. The pace can be noted at places even in the
serious dialogue.
Silvio. I can call myself fortunate indeed, sir; I know not if Signora Clarice will say the same.
Clarice. You wrong me, dear Silvio. You should know if I love you. I should have married Signor Rasponi in obedience to my father; but my heart has always been yours.
Doctor Lonbardi. 'Tis true indeed, the will of Heaven is wrought in unexpected ways. [To Pant.] Pray, sir, how did Federigo Rasponi come to die?
Register [related to diction]: There are more than one
registers in the play, but in the main, the registers are appropriate to
Italian upper class gentlefolk. Conversation between principals is in an upper
class, educated, privileged register, and the servants' registers are geared
toward speaking to their upper class masters.
Function: The function of language in The Servant is
to impart the comedy of satire and irony. This is accomplished through a number
of techniques. One that plays a dominant role is the technique of the
dramatic aside (an aside is harder to employ in novels and
short stories but is a time-honored technique in drama). An aside is spoken by
an actor with the intent of being heard by the audience but unheard by any
other character. To further the satire and irony, the aside is used liberally
in The Servant. In the quotation below, Smeraldina speaks an aside
intended for only the audience to hear.
1
Pantalone [To Clarice and Silvio]. What say you, children, does that suit you?
Silvio. I desire nothing better than to be near my beloved bride.
Smeraldina. [aside]. Yes, that's the best of all foods.