Conclusion
The aim of the study paper was to study and analyse the language and most noteworthy and common literary devices used in the novel A Clockwork Orange by Anthony Burgess. The author of the study paper believed that this novel is truly incomparable to the vast majority of other literary pieces not only for its controversial effect, but also, and most importantly, for its extraordinary and unique language. In addition to the profound analysis of the novel, numerous essays of literary critics, linguists and writers, who studied the novel and its language peculiarities, were read. However, a slightly bigger emphasis was placed on Burgess’s essays on his own creation, his critics and personal standpoint.
Burgess adjusted the language so that it fits the main character – his personality, opinions and ways he perceives everything, sees, hears or feels. Initially, Alex, who is against the enslavement of the free will and power of authorities, radiates rebellious insubordination to any moral norms and values. He has chosen the path of evil, which is rather attractive and easy. Vulgarity, cold-bloodiness and lengthy descriptions of his and his friends’ violent crimes are depicted with the help of softened profanity, Nadsat slang, and onomatopoeic rhymes. Despite the vivid image of brutal actions, taking place in the narrative, A Clockwork Orange does not glorify violence. Burgess wanted to create a literary piece full of brainwashing linguistic challenges and he succeeded.
It is a stylistically bright and colourful work, which carries a great mix of various literary and linguistic devices plaited into the narrative, including, metaphor, colloquialism, slang, anaphora, epistrophe, antanaclasis, allusion, euphemism, interjections, idioms, borrowings, epizeuxis, alliteration, compounds, etc. The author experimented with the language in a very clever and thrilling way. However, the usage of repetitions and onomatopoeia is the most conspicuous; it is even graphically evident.…
