A Corpus Based Study of Lexical Choices in Gorky Maxim’s Short Stories

Abstract

This study conducts a thorough corpus-based analysis of Gorky Maxim’s short stories, focusing on the lexical choices that characterize his unique literary style and thematic exploration. Gorky’s significant influence on 20th-century literature is evident in his skillful use of language, adeptly portraying settings and characters, particularly within the realm of realism. His narratives, deeply rooted in a robust social critique, confront the prevalent inequalities and injustices of his era. The analysis employs Antconc software for both Key Word in Context (KWIC) and word frequency analyses, offering a dual quantitative and qualitative examination of Gorky’s lexical preferences. Within a Marxist theoretical framework, this research delves into how Gorky’s stories illuminate class struggles and social disparities. Selected short stories such as In the Step, One Autumn Night, Twenty-Six Men of Us & One Other, Her Lover, A Rolling Stone, The Green Kitchen, Comrades, Chums, and Cheek Lash act as gateways into Gorky’s exploration of human existence, societal challenges, and the repercussions of capitalism. The objective is to uncover the nuanced use of language in Gorky’s works, thereby contributing to a more profound understanding of his literary legacy and societal insights