Discourse Analysis and Ballad Poetry: A Framework by Walter Nash

It is beyond doubt that discourse analysis, which is one field of linguistics, is significant in literature. Discourse analysis will help readers distinguish what is said from what is actually done with words. This study will attempt to indicate the link between discourse analysis and conversation in ballad poetry. In this way, ballad poetry by Auden, ‘Song V’ or ‘From Reader to Rider’ is chosen. A rule-governed framework suggested by Walter Nash will be applied. According to that framework, three complementary methods are used meaning paraphrase, commentary, and a synopsis including pragmatics and discourse analysis. The current study found that the three methods support each other for discourse analysis and what is revealed about the ‘micro-context’ may have particular relevance to the interpretation of the ‘macro-context’.