Exploring Language and Style in Julio Cortázar’s "Axolotl": A Stylistic Analysis

Abstract

The study undertook a stylistic analysis of Julio Cortazar’s short Story “Axolotl”. We analysed the story stylistically in terms linguistic features instead of carrying out a literary analysis that has hitherto been done. In so doing, we employed the checklist of linguistic and stylistic categories proposed by Leech and Short’s (2007). The aim was to see how language adds to thematic development of the story. Features of repetition, Parallelism, Alliteration, Consonance, Assonance, Anaphora, and rhyme were also focused on. This study demonstrates how the author employs literary techniques and language to create a sense of metamorphosis and psychological depth. We found that usage of stylistic devices enhances the thematic concerns of the story and leaves its impact on the readers. The research concludes by highlighting the significance of stylistic analysis in unravelling deeper layers of meaning within literary texts.

Keywords: Stylistics, analysis, short story, Axolotl, Leech and Short’s model