An Analysis of Figurative Language in Laurie Halse Anderson’ Wintergirls

Abstract

This study examines the use of figurative language in Laurie Halse Anderson’s 2009 novel Wintergirls, focusing on both its stylistic variety and semantic function. Specifically, the study (1) identifies and classifies types of figurative language employed, and (2) analyzes the meanings conveyed using Leech’s (1981) seven types of meaning. The systematic random sampling method involved the selection of 13 chapters from which 224 excerpts were extracted for analysis. Coding guidelines, tables, and excerpts comprise the research instruments. Each form of figurative language and type of meaning was categorized to determine their frequencies and then presented as percentages. The study adopted the validation methodology of Miles and Huberman (1994) to ensure reliability. Findings reveal that metaphor is the most frequently used figurative device (f = 89, 39.73%), while connotative meaning emerges as the most dominant semantic category (f = 51, 22.77%). The results suggest that figurative language in Wintergirls not only enhances aesthetic quality but also serves as a vehicle for expressing emotional trauma, identity struggle, and psychological complexity. These insights contribute to literary stylistics and offer pedagogical value for English as a Foreign Language (EFL) instruction.