Elysian Journal : English Literature, Linguistics, and Translation Studies
Vol. 5 No. 3 (2025): Elysian Journal: English Literature, Linguistics, and Translation Studies

Analysis of Prefixes in the Novel Always Forever Maybe

Kurniawati Lumintang (Unknown)
Ida Bagus Gde Nova Winarta (Unknown)



Article Info

Publish Date
31 Aug 2025

Abstract

This study investigated the semantic functions of English prefixation in Anica Mrose Rissi’s novel Always Forever Maybe. It employed a qualitative descriptive approach and analyzed five prefixed lexical items (rename, disintegrate, overblown, Outbid, and unintelligible) to examine how prefixation contributed to emotional tone, character development, and thematic depth. Data were gathered through close reading and were analysed morphologically using the frameworks of Katamba (1993) and Lieber (2009). In addition, the data were analysed by using a combination of labelled analysis, bracketing, and tree diagram techniques. The findings revealed that prefixes functioned as semantic modifiers without altering the grammatical class of the base words. They fulfilled conceptual roles such as reversal, directionality, intensity, and spatial relation. Unlike previous studies that addressed affixation more broadly, this research offered a focused perspective on the narrative utility of prefixation in literary discourse. The analysis of these prefixed words revealed that they serve as subtle yet impactful linguistic tools, enhancing literary expression by adding layers of meaning to the narrative, deepening character portrayals, and enriching thematic resonance. The study concludes that prefixation is a significant contributor to the overall literary and emotional impact of the novel.

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Journal Info

Abbrev

elysian

Publisher

Subject

Languange, Linguistic, Communication & Media

Description

ELYSIAN JOURNAL is a journal with the scope of literary studies, linguistics and English translation published by the English Study Program, Faculty of Foreign Languages, Mahasaraswati Denpasar University (FBA UNMAS Denpasar). This journal is published four times a year accommodating articles ...