Transitivity Analysis of Kate Chopin's Short Story 'The Storm' Through Halliday's Systemic Functional Grammar

Abstract

This study employs a mixed-method approach, integrating both qualitative and quantitative methodologies to analyze Kate Chopin's short story "The Storm." The quantitative component uses Systemic Functional Linguistics (SFL) to examine process types and circumstances within the text, determining the proportions of each process type. These data are visually represented to enhance understanding. The qualitative aspect focuses on the contextual aspects of discourse within the SFL framework, utilizing Halliday's transitivity system (1985). The research identifies and categorizes process types, calculates their percentages, and interprets these results qualitatively to unveil underlying meanings. Material processes, comprising 49.62% of the total, dominate the narrative, emphasizing actions and events. Mental processes (18.32%) highlight characters' internal thoughts and emotions, while relational processes (13.74%) describe attributes and relationships. Behavioral processes (3.82%) depict physiological and psychological behaviors, adding realism. Verbal processes (8.40%) facilitate character interactions and plot advancement, and existential processes (6.11%) set the scene, creating an immersive atmosphere. This analysis reveals the dynamic and multifaceted nature of "The Storm," combining action, psychological depth, relational context, and atmospheric detail to create a vivid and engaging narrative. This comprehensive approach offers a deeper understanding of Chopin's work through a blend of qualitative and quantitative insights.