Discourse (Literary Term)

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Discourse in literature means the way language is used to express ideas, beliefs, and power in writing or speech. It is more than just words or grammar—it is about how people communicate and shape meaning in society. Discourse can come from characters, narrators, or writers, and it often reflects social, political, or cultural ideas.

Main Ideas of Discourse

Language and Power – Discourse often shows who has power in a society and how that power is expressed through language. For example, legal discourse or religious discourse can control how people think and act.
Different Types – There are many types of discourse: political, religious, scientific, literary, and more. Each type uses a special way of speaking or writing that fits its purpose.
Shaping Ideas – Discourse helps shape how people understand the world. The same event can be described in different ways depending on the discourse being used.
Narrative Voice – In literature, discourse also refers to the voice or style of the narrator or characters and how they present ideas, emotions, and social roles.

Examples in Literature

In "Animal Farm" by George Orwell, the political discourse of the pigs changes over time to control the other animals. Their use of language shows how those in power can twist the truth.
In "Jane Eyre" by Charlotte Brontë, different types of discourse—religious, romantic, feminist—appear in the voices of various characters. These discourses reflect the values and conflicts of 19th-century society.
In "Things Fall Apart" by Chinua Achebe, the clash between traditional Igbo discourse and British colonial discourse shows the impact of cultural and political conflict.

Importance in Literature

Discourse helps us understand not just what a text says, but how it says it, and why. It shows how language can be used to support or challenge ideas. Studying discourse in literature helps readers become more aware of hidden meanings, power structures, and cultural messages within texts.


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