Semantic Relational Structuring and Ideology: a Semantico-Discourse Study of Doris Lessing's “Tragedy of Zimbabwe”

Abstract

A semantic theoretical framework, devised by Winifred Crombie is adopted to investigate, analyze and interpret Doris Lessing's “Tragedy of Zimbabwe” in the current study. The aim of this study is to inspect how semantic structuring relationships can help to unearth embedded belief systems, philosophies and attitudes. Crombie’s theoretical framework is basically intended to detect the political ideologies that operate in the text. The analysis proves that the essay is loaded with ideological references and cues that are designed by the author to fathom out and comment on political reality in Africa in general and Zimbabwe in particular. Lessing frequently resorts to contrasts, comparisons, result-conclusion and conditionals to emphasize the ideological conflicts, racial hostilities and political chaos. Through Semantic Relational Structuring, the author offers her own views and personal assessment of the African version of Marxist politics.