INVESTIGATING GRAPHOLOGICAL PARALLELISM IN TARIQ RAHMAN’S “DEAF, DARK, WALLS”

Abstract

This study aims to explore and analyze the hidden meanings that are suggested by the stylistic choices that are used as graphological parallelism in Tariq Rahman’s short story “Deaf, Dark, Walls.” This research is both qualitative and quantitative. The data comprises the linguistic choices based on graphological parallelism. The punctuations were frequently repeated giving several meanings that constituted graphological parallelism. Further, the repetition of different structures provided the ideas of separation, break, bravery, questioning the authorities, status, continuity, connection of two moments of life, freedom of expression, avoidance of distortion, sadness, hopelessness, diversity in languages, and the representation of Pakistani societies. Hence, the study is relevant to the present society as it contributes to pointing out the reality of the society. Besides, literary theories such as Marxism and feminism can be applied to the short story “Deaf, Dark, Walls” by Tariq Rahman.