Confluence of Text and Genre in Kincaid’s “Girl”: A Transitivity Analysis

This paper aims to explore “Girl” (1978), a short story by Jamaica Kincaid. Halliday’s theory of transitivity is applied to examine the alliance between text and genre, and how it helps reveal the ideological construction within a colonized society. The roles of the two women in the poem have been analyzed to identify the linguistic choices that play a significant role in emphasizing the character of women as suppressed individuals, symbolizing the British colonization of Antiguan society. The study concludes that Pakistani society, which also remained under British rule, shares similarities with Antiguan culture with regard to the control and suppression of women. Women are depicted as lacking freedom of thought, unable to raise their children appropriately and support others. The study, thus, highlights the issue concerning the status of women in Pakistani society and aims to advocate for change by accepting their rights and granting them freedom for an independent life.