Linguistic Patterns of Contradiction A Transitivity Analysis of The Scarlet Letter

This study employs transitivity theory to explore how Nathaniel Hawthorne uses linguistic structures to highlight themes of contradiction in The Scarlet Letter. By adopting Halliday and Matthiessen's transitivity framework, the analysis identifies the predominant use of relational, material, and mental processes, revealing how these linguistic choices shape readers' interpretations and enhance thematic depth. The findings indicate that relational processes are most dominant, reflecting characters’ societal positions and internal conflicts, while verbal and behavioral processes are less emphasized, suggesting a nuanced approach to depicting contradiction. This linguistic focus offers new insights into Hawthorne’s narrative technique and its thematic implications, contributing to both literary and linguistic fields. Highlights: Relational processes dominate, reflecting characters’ societal and internal conflicts. Verbal and behavioral processes are underutilized, emphasizing a nuanced approach to contradiction. Applying transitivity theory uncovers new insights into Hawthorne's narrative strategies. Keywords: The Scarlet Letter,Transitivity, Linguistic Analysis, Contradiction, Hawthorne