LEXICAL STYLISTIC DEVICES USED IN ENGLISH SHORT STORIES

This article explores the role of lexical stylistic devices in enhancing narrative depth in three seminal short stories: Charles Dickens's "A Christmas Carol," Nathaniel Hawthorne's "The Great Stone Face," and Guy de Maupassant's "The Necklace." Through qualitative textual and comparative analysis, the study investigates how these devices contribute to emotional resonance, characterization, thematic exploration, and reader engagement. The findings reveal that lexical choices significantly shape the emotional arcs and moral lessons of each narrative. Dickens employs metaphor and personification to illustrate transformation and redemption, while Hawthorne uses symbolism to probe the nature of true greatness. Maupassant’s ironic twist critiques societal norms surrounding wealth and status. The study concludes that lexical stylistic devices are essential for creating meaningful connections between readers and texts, highlighting their pivotal role in the literary landscape.