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ABSTRACT
Discourse is language in use, or language used for communicative purposes. It relates to social structures, practices, and social change. In Critical Discourse Analyses (CDA), the link between discourse and society/context is mediated. There is a dialectical relationship between discourse and ideology. Ideology is a system of ideas especially social, political or religious views shared by a social group or movement. This study is qualitative in nature, rooted in critical discourse analysis, especially, Fairclough's three-dimensional model-'Description' (lexical, graphological, grammatical, and phonological level) and 'Interpretation' of Blake's "Ah Sun-flower!" which lead towards 'Explanation ' that explores the relation of this poem with social structures of authority and unequal power relations of Blake contemporary society. The authoritative, repressive and patriarchal ideology of the 18th century has been explored from this poem. The concept of the Golden Age of this poem is linked with CDA 's dream of problem-free society; 'Youth' and 'Virgin' have been analyzed in the context of the institution of the love of 18th century.
Keywords: Critical Discourse Analyses, Ideology, Social Change, Description, Interpretation, Power Relations.
INTRODUCTION
The beauty of literature lies in the fact that the readers interpret it in the perspective of the social, political, and religious condition of the period in which it is produced. The idea that literature reflects society is at least as old as Plato's concept of imitation (Albrecht, 1954). If language plays a significant role in every creative activity, it is used as a tool and weapon in critical discourse analysis. Language is more than just a means of communication with others. The language we use, both reflects and shapes the kind of world we create around us (Sarfo & Krampa, 2012). The present study analyzes discourse of literary writing "Ah Sun-flower! " by William Blake. The aim of this research is to bring the analysis of romantic poetry under the umbrella of critical discourse analysis and to examine Blake's above-mentioned poem in the frame of reference to Fairclough's three-dimensional model- description, interpretation, and explanation. The present study deals with the following questions:
1. How do the levels of 'description' (lexical, graphological, grammatical and phonological level) and 'interpretation' of Blake's "Ah Sun-flower! " lead towards explanation?
2. How do discourses of "Ah Sun-flower!" reflect authoritative ideology,...