An Interpretation of Cross-Cultural Narrative in 'Rikki-Tikki-Tavi' from the Perspective of Semiotic Square

Yujie Chen

doi:10.63313/LHP.8016

Authors

Yujie Chen School of foreign languages, Guizhou University, Guizhou 550025, China Author

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.63313/LHP.8016

Keywords:

Rudyard Kipling, semiotic square, othering, cross-cultural narrative, binary opposition

Abstract

"Rikki-Tikki-Tavi" is a short story written by Rudyard Kipling. This study, based on Greimas' semiotic square theory, analyzes the deep structure and cultural connotations of the text. By exploring the symbolic relationships among the main characters, this study reveals the "othering" phenomenon in the text. Additionally, by examining how the binary structure of "barbarism and civilization" is presented in the narrative, this study aims to re-examine the character portrayal and the way values are conveyed from a cross-cultural perspective. Therefore, this study provides readers with a new perspective to gain a deeper understanding of the character portrayal and thematic connotations within the text.

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