NARRATIVE MEANING AND READERLY INTERPRETATION IN THE GRAVEL HEART: AN APPLICATION OF BARTHES’ FIVE CODES

Abstract

The purpose of the study is to give the analysis of the five codes of Roland Barthes (hermeneutic, semantic, symbolic, proairetic, and cultural) to provide the literature interpretation method. The methodology used in this study is a combination between close reading and critical analysis methodology, these methodology applied to analyse the novel Gravel Heart by ABDULRAZAK GURNAH. To explore how these codes are used in the novel to build meaning. This study's methodology involves analyzing the text line-by-line while focusing on specific elements like word selection, imagery, and structure. Other than that, a critical analysis of the text based on Barthes' five codes as frame of reference for the finding of meaning in the novel. The study found that the novel "Gravel Heart" is a novel with hermeneutic code, which produces mystery and uncertainty in the novel. Themes of love, loss and self-discovery are conveyed through the semantic code. The symbolic code is employed to communicate the theme of 'power of memory', while the cultural code is employed to communicate the theme of 'cultural identity'. The code of proarectic is used to build up the tension and suspense in the novel throughout. This study is for purposes of exemplifying how "Gravel Heart" is used to create meaning via the five codes of Roland Barthes. The novel uses a combination of the hermeneutic, semantic, symbolic, proairetic, and cultural codes to convey themes of love, loss, self-discovery, memory, and cultural identity. In this study, the methodology of close reading and critical analysis that has been used has been able to give a comprehensive understanding of the meaning of the novel.