In the following text the stylistic and linguistic features of Angus Wilson’s short story Higher Standards will be pointed out and discussed. To complete, a short interpretation based on the results of the linguistic analysis will be provided as a conclusion.
Table of Contents
1. Introduction
2. Analysis
2.1 Content
2.2 Phonology
2.3 Orthography
2.4 Lexis /Semantic Fields
2.5 Symbolism
2.6 Intertextual and Cultural References
3. Conclusion
4. Bibliography
Research Objectives and Core Themes
This paper aims to perform a comprehensive stylistic and linguistic analysis of Angus Wilson's short story "Higher Standards" to interpret its deeper narrative meanings and social commentary within the context of post-war Britain.
- Analysis of character portrayal and content patterns.
- Examination of phonological and orthographical features as narrative tools.
- Investigation of semantic fields and symbolism (e.g., the "grunter").
- Exploration of intertextual references and their socio-historical significance.
- Evaluation of the "standard" theme regarding lifestyle, education, and class.
Excerpt from the Book
2.1 Content
The first pattern is to be the content. It starts with the question, how the persons taking action in the story are portrayed and what the story deals with. Higher Standards shows a typical evening in the life of the ‘Corfe’ family who are living in a village. The character which is mentioned first is Mrs Corfe. At first sight, there is no hint to describe her outward appearance. One can only guess how she looks by the description of her character and her behaviour. At the beginning of the story she calls her daughter Elsie and her husband, Mr Corfe for dinner. Elsie’s and Mr Corfe’s appearances are not described as well. All one finds out is that Elsie is a local school teacher, who teaches a fourth grade; Mr Corfe is mentally and physically disabled since he had a stroke four years ago.
Furthermore, Mr Corfe is said to have been ‘[...] such a splendid lay preacher, [...]’ (Wilson, Higher Standards). That means that Mr. Corfe is or was a religious person and by the way Mrs Corfe talks, one can state that she is a religious person too: ‘Nothing against Pools in The Book [...]’ (Wilson, Higher Standards) and ‘Nasty, ungodly things the Pools.[...] so we’ll have her yellow bonnet back in Chapel next Sunday.’ (Wilson, Higher Standards) Consequently the Corfe’s must be a religious family, for even Elsie’s name carries a religious meaning, namely ‘my god is a vow’ (2. web). One can state, that the portrayed family stands for a majority of lower middle class families in post-war Britain.
Summary of Chapters
1. Introduction: This chapter provides an overview of the stylistic and linguistic scope of the paper and outlines the biographical background of Sir Angus Wilson.
2. Analysis: This section establishes the theoretical framework for the study, utilizing a pattern-based approach to linguistic analysis including content, phonology, and symbolism.
2.1 Content: This chapter introduces the Corfe family, analyzing their characterization and social situation in post-war Britain.
2.2 Phonology: This chapter examines the repetition of the word "standard" and its implications for both the characters' education and their socio-economic status.
2.3 Orthography: This chapter explores how italicized words and possessive pronouns in the text subtly emphasize the theme of possession.
2.4 Lexis / Semantic Fields: This chapter discusses the contrast between the narrator's academic language and the characters' direct speech, which serves to introduce irony.
2.5 Symbolism: This chapter analyzes symbolic elements such as the color yellow and the "grunter" dish as representations of lifestyle and class.
2.6 Intertextual and Cultural References: This chapter identifies biblical allusions and Americanization trends that critique existing class structures.
3. Conclusion: This chapter synthesizes the analytical findings to conclude that the story functions as a critique of the worth of standards in post-war British society.
4. Bibliography: This section lists all academic sources and web references used to support the linguistic and stylistic findings.
Key Terms
Angus Wilson, Higher Standards, Stylistics, Linguistic Analysis, Post-war Britain, Middle Class, Symbolism, Semantic Fields, Phonology, Orthography, Intertextuality, Scholarship Boys, Americanisation, Narrative Irony, Social Critique.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the primary focus of this research paper?
The paper focuses on a stylistic and linguistic investigation of Angus Wilson's short story "Higher Standards," aiming to decode how language choices construct the narrative and reflect social realities.
What methodology is applied in the analysis?
The author applies a systematic linguistic approach, categorizing patterns such as content, phonology, orthography, semantic fields, symbolism, and intertextual references to interpret the text.
What is the thematic significance of the word "standard" in the text?
The term is central to the story, serving as a dual reference to both the material standards of living in post-war British middle-class families and the educational standards that create social division.
How does the narrator's language differ from that of the characters?
The narrator employs an academic register, which contrasts sharply with the colloquial or lower-middle-class language used by the Corfe family, thereby introducing a layer of irony.
What role does the "grunter" play in the story?
The "grunter" serves as a key symbol of the lower-middle-class lifestyle and traditional habits, representing a sense of primitivism amidst the constraints of post-war rationing.
How are intertextual references used in the analysis?
They are used to uncover deeper layers of meaning, such as the biblical reference used by Mr. Corfe, which suggests his rejection of rigid class structures and his belief in equality.
What does the mention of the "Scholarship boys" suggest about Elsie?
It suggests that Elsie shares the struggle of those who attained higher education but subsequently felt alienated from both their working-class origins and the higher social classes.
Why is the colour yellow considered symbolic in the narrative?
Based on the Dictionary of Symbols, yellow is linked to intellect and illumination, which aligns with Elsie's superior educational status compared to her environment.
- Quote paper
- Sven Rudolph (Author), 2010, Stylistic and Linguistic Features in Angus Wilson's "Higher Standards", Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/155651
