Hegemonic Masculinity Through Directive Speech Acts In Prologue Of The Holy Woman

Abstract

The study is based on hegemonic masculinity presented and identified through directive speech acts. It is a qualitative textual analysis based on data from the prologue of The Holy Woman. The study uses purposive sampling techniques and draws on speech act theory and masculinity theory. The results highlight that male characters employ reprimands, honour-based appeals and commands for the exercise of control over female behaviour, which identify the hegemonic masculinity. The writer uses directive speech acts as a patterned discourse which reflects patriarchal ideology. The analysis overall confirms directive speech acts as a discursive tool that reproduces a hierarchical gender order.