An Analysis of the Use of Graphological Deviation in Bina Shah’s before She Sleeps

Abstract

This research paper examines the use of graphological deviations in Bina Shah's dystopian novel Before She Sleeps, focusing on how these deviations foreground critical social issues. The analysis utilizes Leech's theory of foregrounding, which posits that linguistic deviations draw attention to specific textual elements, enhancing their thematic and aesthetic impact. In Shah's narrative, the capitalization of words like "Client," "Agency," "Flashes," "Bulletins," and "Stay" emphasizes their significance, reflecting themes of commodification, control, and surveillance. Similarly, capitalized terms such as "Wives," "Clients," "Virus," "Network," and "TalkBots" critique the dehumanization of women and the commercialization of human relationships. Italicized phrases highlight the characters' emotional depth and societal pressures, while unconventional punctuation marks, such as full stops and semicolons, create a disjointed rhythm that mirrors the fragmented nature of the characters' lives. These graphological deviations not only enhance the narrative's thematic depth but also serve as a powerful critique of gender dynamics, technological control, and authoritarianism. Shah's strategic use of these stylistic choices engages readers in a critical reflection on the socio-political realities of the dystopian world she portrays.