Proceedings of the 9th International Academic Conference on Humanities and Social Sciences
Year: 2024
DOI:
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A Pragmatic Analysis of the Effect of Grammatical Cohesive Devices on the Creation of Suspense in Dan Brown’s Angels and Demons
Pham Hong Anh
ABSTRACT:
This study examines grammatical cohesive devices as one of the main factors contributing to the suspenseful narrative structure that is typical of Dan Brown’s novels. By investigating a representative sample from one of his most famous novels, “Angels and Demons,” this research explores how grammatical cohesion plays a vital role in constructing suspense within the said novel. Using a qualitative corpus analysis, this study considers the implementation of cohesive devices such as ellipsis, substitution, and conjunctions with the aim of elucidating their impact on the reader’s engagement in the story. All of these are made possible thanks to the devices’ ability to create sudden changes in pacing and tension, thus providing readers with thrill and excitement, and collectively create suspense in Brown’s storytelling. The findings of this study suggest evidence of Dan Brown’s strategic use of grammatical cohesive devices to manipulate the flow of details, as well as critical plot elements. In this regard, grammatical cohesive devices are essential in creating suspenseful passages that heighten readers’ anticipation and curiosity.
Keywords: cohesive devices, references, ellipsis, substitution, conjunction