LINGUOSTYLISTIC ANALYSIS OF NARRATIVE STRUCTURE IN W. SAROYAN’S THE HUMAN COMEDY

Abstract

This article offers an integrated linguostylistic and narrative analysis of William Saroyan’s The Human Comedy (1943), exploring how the author’s language choices shape meaning and evoke emotional resonance. The study argues that the apparent simplicity of Saroyan’s prose conceals a subtle artistry: beneath the plain surface of his writing lies a carefully structured narrative voice that fuses language with emotion and deepens the reader’s engagement. Adopting a qualitative linguostylistic approach, the research examines selected passages from the novel on three narrative levels: lexical, syntactic, and discourse, to reveal how stylistic patterns contribute to the text’s overall aesthetic and thematic unity. The findings demonstrate that the linguistic and stylistic coherence of The Human Comedy reinforces Saroyan’s enduring humanistic vision that “life is good because it is life,” highlighting the profound emotional and philosophical depth behind his seemingly simple style.