Maria Teresa S.

Borja
M LLP
The Structure of English
October 3, 2015
STYLISTIC ANALYSIS OF THE TEXT, A WORD FROM THE APES

A Word from the Apes is a satirical epistolary that presents the abhorrence
of the apes to human beings. Written by Mang Unggoy, the letter expresses the
apes disputes towards human activities. On behalf of the apes, he resents the idea
of Darwins Theory of Evolution which claims that human beings came from the
apes.
This paper aims to analyze A Word from the Apes from the perspective of
stylistic analysis. The analysis is made under the aspects of Grammatical,
Syntactical, Morphological and Lexical patterns. We have also found tropes and
schemes that are present in the poem. This method is helpful to analyze the
language structure, style of the text, and its theme.
The mood is foregrounded through the vocabulary items in the text. Words
like protest, disgrace, resent, and the repetitive use of adverb of negation not.
These words communicate a strong distaste and hate to human beings.
In lexical level, the use of anaphora is evident in the text. Rhetorically, the
text clearly repeats a phrase at the beginning of successive paragraphs. The
repetition of the phrase unlike human beings in almost all the paragraphs of the
text denotes a strong emphasis on the speakers prejudiced detestation to humans.
Another noticeable feature in the study of stylistics is In terms of the writers
style of presenting the text which is in a form of a letter which in literature is called
an epistolary. This style in writing suggests that he mode of communicating the

apes resentment towards the idea of being connected humans is communicated in

a formal manner through business correspondence. It is apparent that Mang Unggoy
is a very educated creature. He knows his grammar well; he has a good command
of English, and he has a flawless use of grammar and punctuations. The style
reflects the irony of showing formality in expression among animals. This formal
way of communication parallels the moral behavior of Mang Unggoy (an ape writer)
and his ideas; moreover, it is indirectly showing incoherence with inhumane
activities of men such as disrespect to other people, destruction of nature and
environment, womanizing, discrimination, and stealing.
The Tone is the poets attitude towards his or her subject or readers. It is
similar to tone of voice but should not be confused with mood or atmosphere. In the
text, the authors tone is very sarcastic. This is evident in the use of negative words
all throughout the text. An example is this statement, You are a big disgrace to us.
The theme that mankind has its dark side is explicitly shown in the
text. Human beings are seen as the greatest beings among all creatures because of
their superior ability to think. Because they are rational thinkers, they are expected
to manifest a standard morally right behavior. As rational beings, they are smart
enough to dwell on their actions. They are not animals whose capacity to think is
limited. Despite the ambitious claim of being the greatest, humans are ironically
bound with imperfections. These imperfections are translated to inhuman actions
which are evidently observable. Such faults and flaws are programmed as part of
the human nature. These human flaws are considered the dark side of humanity
that

includes

circumstances.

actions

that

are

simply

inhumane

and

unjustifiable

in

any

Given the theme, the author wants the readers to realize that it is difficult to
be a human. Hence, humans should be extra vigilant and aware of their actions that
present their rationality equipped with values and virtues in life. Humans should
give justice to the name given to them being called a HUMAN BEING. What does
it take to be a human being? To be a true human being, a person has to choose
between truth and falsehood; he should and must always choose what is good and
sweet over evil and bitter.