William Faulkners A Rose for Emily is widely discussed for its non-linear narrative, yet few studies have approached it from a linguistic perspective. This paper investigates the narrative structure in the novel through Segmented Discourse Representation Theory (SDRT), a prominent framework in discourse coherence analysis. The study aims to examine the application of SDRT to reveal underlying discourse relations in literary texts and offer new insights into the authors intentions. By dividing the text into discrete segments and identifying the coherence relations between them, the analysis discovers the logical connections that drive the narrative, even among temporal disruptions. The findings of the study indicate that Faulkners fragmented narrative structure is intentional, serving specific literary purposes that enhance reader engagement and contribute to the development of the plot, the character, and themes. The paper demonstrates that SDRT offers a novel perspective for analyzing coherence in literary texts and expands the application of discourse coherence theories.
Yang Zhao (2025) studied this question.