MEANINGS IN LITERATURE

Abstract

The use of language must have a connection with the external world, as this relationship relates to its meaning. In literary works, meaning refers to the intention of the author or creator of the work. There are two types of meaning in literature: (1) total meaning, which is the experience of how the literary work is communicated, and (2) prosaic meaning, which is the mode of expression of that experience. Language in literature is highly multidimensional, consisting of words that carry multiple meanings: both denotative and connotative. The implications of this paper emphasize the complex interplay between language, meaning, and intention in literature. By distinguishing between total meaning and prosaic meaning, this study highlights the layered nature of literary communication, where understanding extends beyond literal interpretation to include emotional, cultural, and experiential dimensions. Furthermore, the multidimensionality of language in literature reveals the richness of expression and the inherent ambiguity in human communication. This insight is significant for literary analysis, as it suggests that uncovering meaning requires not only textual interpretation but also an exploration of the broader contexts in which the work was created and received.