ELTIN JOURNAL:
Journal of English Language Teaching in Indonesia
p-ISSN 2339-1561
eAeISSN 2580-7684
SEMANTIC ANALYSIS OF FIGURATIVE LANGUAGE IN
THE PERKS OF BEING WALLFLOWER MOVIE
Unzila Alzura Fauzi1*.
Yudhie Indra Gunawan2.
Dyah Supraba Lastari Aunzila.
alzura@umt.
Ayudhie.
indra@umt.
Adslastari@yahoo.
UNIVERSITAS MUHAMMADIYAH TANGERANG
Received: May 14, 2025.
Accepted: July 13, 2025
ABSTRACT
This study aims to identify the types of figurative language and determine the most dominant type used in The Perks of Being a Wallflower movie script.
It employs a qualitative descriptive research design.
The data were derived from the movie script, with a particular focus on the utterances of Charlie, the main character.
To classify the figurative expressions, the researchers adopted ColstonAos .
framework, which includes ten categories:
metaphor, simile, verbal irony, oxymoron, hyperbole, contextual expression, understatement, idiom, indirect request, and repetition.
The data were analyzed by identifying and categorizing occurrences of each figurative language type.
The findings reveal that all ten categories were present in the script, though with varying frequencies.
Indirect requests were the most frequently used .
, followed by verbal irony and metaphor .
, repetition .
, hyperbole, contextual expression, and idiom .
, understatement .
, and both oxymoron and simile .
The dominance of indirect requests reflects the charactersAo subtle communication style and emotional depth, particularly that of Charlie.
Overall, the study highlights the prevalence and diversity of figurative language in the movie, contributing to its expressive dialogue and emotional Keywords: Charlie.
Figurative Language.
Indirect Request.
Semantics.
The Perks of Being a Wallflower INTRODUCTION Language plays a central role in human life because through language people are connected (Mawarti & Laili, 2.
It functions not merely as a system of sounds and symbols, but as a comprehensive structure encompassing grammar, syntax, and semantics.
Over time, language evolves to reflect societal, cultural, and technological changes.
A key area of this evolution can be observed in the field of semantics, particularly in how meanings shift and adapt through different forms of expression.
Semantics, as the branch of linguistics that examines meaning, plays an essential role in understanding how language constructs reality.
It is the study of the meaning of language (Mawarti & Laili, 2.
Among its many topics, polysemy .
word with multiple meaning.
and homonymy .
ifferent words sharing the Fauzi.
Gunawan & Lastari: Semantic Analysis of Figurative Language A same for.
illustrate the complexity of human communication.
These phenomena may lead to ambiguity or misinterpretation.
Thus, semantics is called as a field of linguistic signs and things which he marked (Ikhsan, 2.
Moreover, semantics also explores how meaning is conveyed through non-literal language, such as figurative expressions.
Figurative language refers to expressions that deviate from literal meanings to enhance the richness, clarity, and emotional impact of a message.
It enhances the beauty of literary works, shortens the author's narrative, and creates specific feelings or atmospheres (Khairunnisa.
Beyond beautifying the text, figurative language allows authors to convey complex ideas and emotions in a more subtle and engaging manner.
Through devices like metaphors, similes, personification, and hyperbole, writers construct vivid imagery that immerses readers and in the case of films, viewers into the emotional landscape of a story.
Figurative language is a language that increases the beauty of a literary work by conveying ideas in imaginative and expressive ways.
It goes beyond the literal meaning of words to create deeper, more impactful messages (Mukti & Nugraha, 2.
Figurative language is a powerful element in literary works that enhances their beauty and depth.
Because of its ability to add layers of meaning and stylistic appeal, figurative language plays a crucial role in both literature and everyday communication.
Common types that reflect these functions include hyperbole, metaphor, simile, personification, and ironyAieach contributing uniquely to the power and effectiveness of language (Merlin & Ardiantari, 2.
In addition.
Colston .
categorizes various types of figurative language and provides illustrative examples for each.
Metaphor involves comparing one thing to another, often using animals to describe people or objects, either affectionately .
, "He's my little koala bear") or critically .
, "He's a skunk" or "My car is a turtle").
Simile, similar to metaphor, compares two things but uses comparative words like "like" or "as" .
, "He cats like a horse").
Similes are less studied than metaphors, though they occur frequently in discourse.
Verbal irony occurs when a speaker's words express the opposite of their intended meaning, often for humorous effect .
, stepping into a storm and saying.
"What nice weather we're having!").
Oxymorons combine contradictory terms .
"Take your time, but hurry up" or "She's killing me with kindness").
Hyperbole is an intentional exaggeration used for emphasis or humor .
"I'm so hungry I could eat a horse").
Contextual expressions depend entirely on the surrounding context for their meaning .
, "Their senses depend entirely on the time, place, and circumstances in which they are uttered").
Understatement minimizes the seriousness of a situation .
"Seems to be a bit chilly" when it's very col.
Idioms are figurative expressions that have meanings unrelated to their literal sense .
, "It's a piece of cake" meaning something is easy or "Let sleeping dogs lie" meaning to avoid restarting a Indirect requests express desires or inclinations subtly .
"Could you tell me how much you earn?" as a polite way to ask about someone's incom.
Finally, repetition emphasizes a point by repeating words or phrases .
, "Run, run, run!"), drawing attention to a specific action or idea.
Analyzing figurative language in a movie is substantial to discover what are the meaning and the purpose of using it since figurative language cannot be literally understood or translated (Wardani, 2.
Understanding these devices is critical to interpreting a film's underlying message.
For example, a metaphor can symbolize a character's internal struggle, providing insight into his motivations and conflicts.
These layered meanings invite viewers to explore the emotional landscape of the narrative beyond surface interpretation.
Additionally, figurative language can set tone and mood.
Hyperbole may evoke humor or ELTIN Journal: Journal of English Language Teaching in Indonesia.
Volume 13/No 2.
October exaggeration, while personification may evoke empathy for inanimate objects or abstract concepts, making them acceptable to the audience.
This emotional connection fosters a richer viewing experience.
Several studies have been conducted to examine the use of figurative language in films.
One example is the research titled AuAn Analysis of Figurative Language in Aladdin MovieAy, which identifies various types of figurative language, including symbols, irony, similes, and metaphors, and discusses their impact on the narrative.
Another relevant study.
AuFigurative Language in The Shape of Water MovieAy by (Nurhayati, 2.
, which identifies various types of figurative language, including symbols, irony, similes, and metaphors, and discusses their impact on the narrative.
Another relevant study.
AuFigurative Language in The Shape of Water MovieAy by (Purnama et al.
, 2.
examines the use of figurative language in The Sea Beast.
Raya and the Last Dragon, and Onward.
It found that different types of figurative language such as hyperbole in The Sea Beast, simile in Raya and the Last Dragon, and metonymy in Onward play a key role in enriching storytelling.
These studies share a common focus: analyzing figurative language in films to uncover deeper meaning and emotional resonance, often identifying metaphor, simile, personification, and hyperbole as dominant types.
The selection of The Perks of Being a Wallflower for semantic figurative language analysis is highly relevant because the film addresses powerful and relatable themes such as identity, friendship, trauma, and mental health particularly among young adults.
The focus of this research is to explore the figurative language used in The Perks of Being a Wallflower, which serves several important functions.
First, it enhances the emotional depth of the film, especially in relation to themes of adolescence and the search for identity and belonging.
Second, figurative language offers insights into character development, highlighting their personal struggles and growth.
Third, it helps uncover complex themes such as trauma, healing, and interpersonal connection.
Furthermore, it reflects broader social and cultural issues that are relevant to youth and mental health today.
Finally, figurative language contributes to the richness of the filmAos dialogue and visual storytelling, creating memorable and emotionally resonant moments.
Analyzing these elements can help reveal how language shapes the audienceAos understanding and emotional response to the film.
Based on the background of the study above, the researcher formulates the statements of the problem as follow: .
What types of figurative language are present in the "The Perks of Being a Wallflower" movie script?, .
What is the most prevalent or dominant type of figurative language used in the "The Perks of Being a Wallflower" movie script? METHOD This study employed a qualitative descriptive method, as it aimed to identify and analyze the types of figurative language used in The Perks of Being a Wallflower movie script.
According to Cresswell .
, qualitative research is an approach for exploring and understanding the meaning individuals or groups ascribe to a social or human problem.
The primary instrument in this qualitative research was the researchers themselves, as no questionnaires were required for data analysis.
The data source of this study is the movie script of The Perks of Being a Wallflower, with a focus on the utterances delivered by the main character.
Charlie.
The data were collected using a document analysis method, in which the researchers systematically reviewed the movie script.
A note-taking technique was employed to record figurative language expressions found in the dialogue.
The data were Fauzi.
Gunawan & Lastari: Semantic Analysis of Figurative Language A then presented and explained descriptively based on the types of figurative language outlined in the theoretical framework.
Furthermore, the data analysis was carried out in three steps.
First, the researchers watched the entire movie to understand its context.
Second, the script was read intensively to identify figurative expressions.
Third, the identified utterances were classified based on ColstonAos .
categorization of figurative language types, which include metaphor, simile, verbal irony, oxymoron, hyperbole, idiom, understatement, contextual expressions, repetition, and indirect requests.
FINDINGS AND DISCUSSION
Types of Figurative Language Used in The Perks of Being a Wallflower movie The analysis of The Perks of Being a Wallflower reveals a wide range of figurative language employed by the characters to convey emotions, highlight themes, and enhance the narrative Identifying the frequency of each type provides insights into the authorAos stylistic choices and the expressive functions that figurative language serves in the movie.
Table 1 summarizes the types and frequencies of figurative language identified in the dialogue.
Table.
1 Types and Frequency of Figurative Language in The Perks of Being a Wallflower Types of Figurative Frequency Language Methapor Simile Verbal Irony Oxymorons Hyperbole Contextual Expression Understatement Idiom Indirect Request Repetition Total After collecting and categorizing the data, it was found that all ten types of figurative language appeared in the utterances of the main character in The Perks of Being a Wallflower, as shown in Table 1.
The most frequently used type was Indirect Request .
, followed closely by Metaphor and Verbal Irony .
instances eac.
The total number of figurative expressions identified was 54.
In the following section, each type of figurative language is discussed in detail, beginning with Metaphor, to illustrate how these expressions contribute to the emotional depth and thematic richness of the film.
Metaphor The use of metaphor in The Perks of Being a Wallflower reflects how abstract concepts and emotions are conveyed through symbolic language.
According to (Monasterio, 2.
metaphor is one figurative language that means an analogy of one thing to another.
It can be said implicitly as a comparison between A and B or the two different entitie.
Below are ELTIN Journal: Journal of English Language Teaching in Indonesia.
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October examples demonstrating how metaphors are employed to express complex inner states and personal perceptions.
Data 1.
"Our little secret" .
:37:.
The word "secret" is not really small.
"Small" here means that the secret is something small, like a small object that is easy to hide or take care of.
This makes the secret easier to Data 2.
"He was my favorite person in the world.
until now.
" .
:01:.
This sentence suggests a change in feelings.
It implies that someone was previously considered the best or favorite person, as if the world is a place where people can be compared and ranked.
This is a metaphor because there is no real list that puts people around the world in order.
it is a way of expressing very strong feelings.
Data 3.
"This carpet feels so damn good" .
:36:.
This seems to be more literal than metaphorical.
However, if the context suggests that the carpet is meant to provide comfort or pleasure, this could be seen as a metaphor.
In this case, the carpet is compared to something that brings great joy or comfort, almost like a living creature that is indulged.
Data 4.
"I think The Smiths are my favorite.
" .
:13:.
This is more literal, like an opinion about a favorite band.
But it can also be considered metaphorical if the band represents a certain feeling, identity, or phase of life.
For example, if "The Smiths" are thought of as a friend or a comfort, that would be a metaphor.
Data 5.
The cafeteria is called the Nutrition Center" .
:36:.
This name is a metaphor.
It compares the cafeteria, a place where people often eat, to the "nutrition center," a more formal and scientific-sounding term.
It makes the place seem like more than just a dining hall.
It makes it seem like a place that provides nutrition for the body, which makes the place look better.
Data 6.
"I feel infinite.
" .
:39:.
This is obviously a metaphor.
One does not actually become physically infinite.
It's a feeling of being free, limitless, extremely powerful, and energized, as if you're beyond ordinary human limitations.
Data 7.
"I was looking at this tree, but it was a dragon.
" .
:50:.
This is a metaphor because it directly states that the tree was a dragon, without using words like "like" or "as.
" In metaphorical language, one thing is said to be another to highlight a shared quality or evoke a vivid image.
Here, the speakerAos imagination transforms the tree into a dragon, suggesting the tree might appear large, looming, or alive in some way.
Simile Fauzi.
Gunawan & Lastari: Semantic Analysis of Figurative Language A A simile can be defined as the statement of a similarity relation between two entities, essentially different but thought to be alike in one or more respects, or a nonsimilarity relation (Pierini, 2.
Below are examples demonstrating how similes are employed to illustrate vivid comparisons and highlight similarities between different experiences or ideas.
Data 8.
"Like a cake.
" .
:36:.
When Patrick asks Charlie if he's intoxicated, he responds with this.
Charlie responds, "Like a cake," which is a clever way of expressing how inebriated he is.
Explanation : This analogy likens Charlie's inebriated condition to a "baked" cake.
It makes advantage of a word play.
Data 9.
It's like saying your name over and over again in the mirror.
" .
:36:.
Charlie makes this statement when discussing how odd the word "milkshake" sounds after being said aloud.
This simile illustrates a feeling of bewilderment or reflection when a word is repeated until it sounds strange or loses its meaning.
Data 10.
"Sam, you have beautiful brown eyes, the kind of beautiful eyes you should be proud of.
" .
:36:.
The data showed that Charlie compliments Sam on his eyes by saying this to him.
This sentence is an implicit simile as, without the use of the word "like," it compares Sam's eyes' beauty to anything noteworthy or worthy of celebration.
Verbal Irony Verbal irony is a trope that substitutes a figurative meaning for the literal meaning of an utterance (Culpeper & Haugh, 2.
Below are examples that show how verbal irony is used to convey hidden meanings that contradict the literal meaning, often with the aim of indirectly criticizing or emphasizing a point.
Data 11.
"I just really want a milkshake.
" .
:36:.
The reason this is verbal irony is because Charlie describes the consequences of marijuana, which are more complicated than a simple want, using the desire for a milkshake.
Data 12.
"I think you're really going to regret that haircut when you look back at old " .
:36:.
Charlie is attempting to express that he dislikes the haircut, but he does it in a way that sounds like a future proposal, thus even if it sounds like a typical remark, it is verbal irony.
Data 13.
"No problem.
Thanks for the ride.
" .
:36:.
The reason this sentence is verbal irony is that, despite Charlie's nonchalant expression of gratitude, he is truly extremely appreciative and joyful for their generosity.
Data 14.
"High school? Bullshit.
:37:.
ELTIN Journal: Journal of English Language Teaching in Indonesia.
Volume 13/No 2.
October Charlie claims that high school is "bullshit," despite the fact that he is going through some extremely painful situations throughout his time there.
This is an example of verbal irony.
Data 15.
"I'm really sorry.
That sounded like a compliment in my head.
" .
:37:.
This statement is an example of verbal irony since Charlie is attempting to express regret for his remark while also demonstrating his awareness of his error and his attempt to use humor to diffuse the situation.
Data 16.
"It was a Christmas present.
" .
:38:.
Charlie attempts to justify his attire by claiming that it was a Christmas present, but he may also be aware that it is inappropriate for the party setting.
This is an example of verbal irony.
Data 17.
"I don't know what to say.
" .
:38:.
The reason this statement is verbal irony is that, despite Charlie's claim that he is at a loss for words, his reaction and facial expression convey that he is deeply touched and Oxymorons Oxymoron is a figure of speech that has two contradictory or opposite words appear side by side used commonly to create some rhetorical effect (Qasim & Bushra, 2.
Below are examples that show how oxymoron is used to convey emotional tension, highlight contradictions, and add depth to an expression in a concise and impactful way.
Data 18.
"Happy and sad at the same time.
" .
:12:.
Because it blends two opposing emotionsAihappy and sadAiinto a single sentence, this is an extremely obvious example of an oxymoron.
Charlie claims to be experiencing both at once, which generates the usual oxymoron tension of meaning.
Normally, people only feel one of the two.
Data 19.
"The best breakup band ever.
" .
:25:.
The reason this term is referred to as an oxymoron is that the words "best" .
omething pleasan.
and "breakup" .
hich is linked with misery or separatio.
are contradictory.
Although it makes sense that the word "best" would not be used to describe something as unpleasant as a breakup.
Charlie is mixing a negative and a positive when he calls The Smiths the best band to listen to when you're upset.
Data 20.
"Just a mix tape.
Not a huge deal".
:40:.
Although this appears straightforward at first glance, it is contradictory in its context.
Charlie feels that the mix CD is "no big deal" even though it represents friendship and care in the By implication, it is an oxymoron as what is spoken and the emotional reality are at Fauzi.
Gunawan & Lastari: Semantic Analysis of Figurative Language A Hyperbole Hyperbole is a kind of figurative language where the speaker says something while meaning another thing (Aljadaan, 2.
Below are examples that show how hyperbole is used to amplify feelings, dramatize situations, and convey extreme emotional states in a clear and memorable way.
Data 21.
"ItAos so bad that I keep fantasizing that one of us is dying of cancer.
:02:.
This statement contains a contradiction because Charlie states that the situation is so absurd that it is used as an outlet to depict a tragic scenario, combining extreme fantasy with despair.
Data 22.
"Isn't this the best milkshake?" .
:10:.
This statement, which claims that the particular milkshake is the greatest despite the fact that there is no impartial method to evaluate all milkshakes worldwide, is an example of Its quality has been overstated.
Data 23.
"I have 1,384 days to go.
" .
:13:.
This is also a hyperbola since the number of days, 1,384, is very specific and exaggerated, indicating that the situation is stressful or trapped.
Usually, people don't count down to such a number realistically.
Data 24.
"I was going to die of embarrassment.
" .
:18:.
This over-the-top image is meant to evoke a strong sense of embarrassment.
This statement demonstrates the intensity of the feeling, even though no one has ever truly died of shame.
Data 25.
"The whole party surrounds him now, pissing themselves with laughter.
:22:.
This statement is overstated to show how humorous this situation is.
The expression "laughing out loud" describes how loud and uncontrollable people's laughter was, even though it didn't actually occur.
Data 26.
"He bit into the brownie.
The icing gushing between his teeth" .
:30:.
This statement uses exaggerated words to describe the amount of icing on the brownie.
The word "gushing" conjures up a very exaggerated and contrived image, making the icing look more dramatic than it actually is.
Contextual Expression Contextual expressions comprise is a class of utterances with a variety of structures .
noun-noun combinations and denominal verb.
whose meanings depend completely on discourse contexts (Monny, 2.
Below are examples that show how contextual expressions are used to convey meanings that cannot be understood lexically alone, but must take into account the communication situation and the surrounding context.
ELTIN Journal: Journal of English Language Teaching in Indonesia.
Volume 13/No 2.
October Data 27.
"I kind of wish heAod left a note.
You know what I mean?" .
:24:.
This line demonstrates Charlie's internal conflict as he continues to search for answers that do not exist and tries to figure out why his friend died.
Data 28.
"Write about us sometime.
" .
:43:.
Sam's encouragement and acknowledgment of Charlie's writing potential are expressed in this way.
It inspires Charlie to write their story and forges a strong emotional bond.
Data 29.
"All the great writers used to wear great suits.
" .
:41:.
This speech, which blends humor and inspiration, gives Charlie confidence by associating him with the image of a famous writer.
Data 30.
"They say that about LSD to scare you.
" .
:51:.
This illustrates Charlie's fear of unfamiliar and frightening situations, and shows how his social environment tries to ease his anxiety.
Data 31.
"You didnAot do anything.
We just want to toast to Charlie.
" .
:27:.
Charlie starts to feel appreciated and accepted in his new social setting at this crucial acceptance moment.
Understatement Understatement is the opposite of hyperbole.
It is used as an understatement saying less than the meaning of the words (Mentari, 2.
Below are examples that show how understatement is used to downplay emotions, hide vulnerabilities, or subtly convey deeper meaning through controlled expressions.
Data 32.
"I'm okay.
" .
:13:.
The statement above shoed that Charlie is truly very lonely, dealing with prior trauma, and has no friends, thus this comment is an understatement.
However, he downplays his illness to "okay" in order to avoid attracting further attention or hiding his emotions.
Data 33.
"It was a Christmas present.
" .
:03:.
The context revealed that Charlie went to school wearing a suit.
His simple response to the question of why he was dressed like that was, "It was a Christmas present.
This indicates that to boost his self-confidence, he hid the fact that Patrick had given him the outfit as a sentimental gift.
He minimized the significance of the gift and the occasion.
Data 34.
"I know who you are.
Sam.
" .
:07:.
The data revealed that as Sam discusses his past and how people often misinterpret him.
Charlie utters the words quietly, "I know who you are.
Sam.
This comment seems insignificant, but it has huge emotional resonance.
Charlie uses a term that undermines his strength to express genuine support and acknowledgment.
Fauzi.
Gunawan & Lastari: Semantic Analysis of Figurative Language A Data 35.
"I didnAot see anything.
" .
:35:.
The data above showed that he was clearly aware of the situation.
Charlie deliberately minimized the information to protect Patrick's secret and give him a sense of security.
Idiom An idiom is a group of words which, when used together, has different meaning from the one which the individual words have (Telaumbanua, 2.
Below are examples that show how idioms are used to express implied meanings, convey cultural references, or communicate complex ideas in a figurative and often indirect way.
Data 36.
"Just donAot wake up mom and dad.
" .
:17:.
The context showed that Charlie was ready to defend her brother when Derek hit Candace.
It was this sentence that stopped him.
Candace.
Thus, this sentence has Idiomatic meaning which is used to avoid exacerbating an issue or involving parents.
Data 37.
"Like Aunt HelenAos boyfriends?" .
:18:.
The data above showed that the question has the idiomatic meaning which is used to subtly allude to an abusive relationship in the past, used to convey serious messages indirectly.
Data 38.
"That's not a sport, and we all know it".
:34:.
The Idiomatic meaningof the sentence is a cynical way of expressing a social fact that is universally understood but rarely spoken out loud.
Data 39.
"IAove been trying hard not to be a loser" .
:51:.
The data above showed the idiomatic meaning.
"Trying hard not to be a loser" refers to avoiding social failure or someone who lacks self-esteem.
The term "loser" is used here to refer to someone who has no achievements, friends, or goals in life, not in the literal sense of losing.
Data 40.
"DonAot make yourself small" .
:47:.
The phrase "Don't make yourself small" refers to the idea that you shouldn't minimize yourself or conceal your worth or potential in order to appease other people.
Indirect Request A figure of speech used to indicate a wish or inclination is known as an indirect request.
When a person asks another person to inform, order, or ask anything to a third person, this is known as an indirect request (Apriliya, 2.
Below are examples that show how indirect requests are used to convey meaning subtly without stating it explicitly.
Data 41.
"Are you sure itAos okay that I come?" .
:40:.
ELTIN Journal: Journal of English Language Teaching in Indonesia.
Volume 13/No 2.
October The data showed that he basically asked an oblique question to get permission to leave.
Data 42.
"Do you want to work on probabilities and statistics?" .
:08:.
The question above indicates a subliminal invitation to start studying together.
Data 43.
"Mr.
AndersonA can I ask you something?" .
:04:.
The data showed that Charlie wants to ask about love and relationships with his teacher.
Thus, the data above indicates a tacit request for permission to have a private conversation.
Data 44.
"Can you hand these out while IAom gone?" .
:11:.
The data showed a polite yet oblique request to Sam.
Data 45.
"WhereAos the bathroom?" .
:44:.
The data showed a tacit request for permission to end the discussion.
The purpose of this sentence is to ask permission to leave the emotional atmosphere, even though it is an informational question.
Data 46.
"Maybe I'll see you around in school?" .
:39:.
In reality, this sentence is a veiled request to meet or be accepted into their organization.
Data 47.
"Do you want me to tell you?" .
:27:.
This is an implied offer, not just a question: "I'm willing to tell if you want to know.
Data 48.
"Could you turn that down?" .
:39:.
The data showed a subtle and polite request to lower the music level.
Repetition Repetition is figurative language that uses repetition word to emphasize meaning (Hutasoit et al.
, 2.
Below are examples that show how repetition is used to intensify feelings, reinforce main ideas, and convey urgency or confusion through deliberate repetition.
Data 49.
"Why? Why? What happened?" .
:10:.
When Patrick suddenly stopped paying attention to her.
Charlie became worried and In his nervous state, he repeatedly asked the same question.
The repetition of the word AuWhyAy highlights CharlieAos intense confusion and anxiety.
By asking the same question multiple times.
Charlie conveys his emotional instability and urgent need for This deliberate repetition not only emphasizes his inner turmoil but also allows the audience to sense his vulnerability and desperation in the situation.
Data 50.
"Thank you.
Thank you" .
:36:.
Fauzi.
Gunawan & Lastari: Semantic Analysis of Figurative Language A At the party, when Bob offers him brownies.
Charlie quickly and repeatedly says Authank Ay The repetition reflects CharlieAos overwhelming sense of gratitude, which also carries a hint of social awkwardness.
By repeating the phrase, he emphasizes both his appreciation and his discomfort in the unfamiliar situation, allowing the audience to grasp his nervous yet sincere response.
Data 51.
"Charlie.
Charlie.
Weird.
" .
:38:.
While standing in front of the mirror in a drunken state.
Charlie repeatedly says his own name followed by the word Auweird.
Ay This repetition reflects the influence of the substances he consumed, which disrupt his clarity of thought and heighten his restlessness.
The repeated utterance of his name suggests a moment of distorted self-awareness, emphasizing his inner confusion and unstable emotional condition.
Data 52.
"Milkshake.
Milkshake.
" .
:40:.
While under the influence.
Charlie becomes fixated on the word AumilkshakeAy as Sam mixes the drink.
The repetition reflects his muddled state of mind, where his thoughts narrow and obsess over a single stimulus.
This linguistic pattern illustrates both his impaired focus and the humorous yet unsettling effect of his intoxicated condition.
Data 53.
"I feel infinite.
Infinite.
" .
:43:.
After going through the tunnel with Patrick and Sam in the car.
Charlie repeats the word Auinfinite.
Ay The repetition emphasizes the profound emotional impact of the moment, highlighting his sense of freedom, importance, and liberation.
By repeating the word.
Charlie reinforces the intensity of the experience, allowing the audience to grasp how deeply meaningful and transformative the moment feels to him.
Data 54.
"Trust me.
Trust me.
" .
:28:.
Charlie attempts to persuade Candace to keep her secret by repeating the phrase Autrust Ay The repetition underscores the urgency and sincerity of his request, revealing his emotional investment in gaining her confidence.
By repeating the words.
Charlie intensifies the appeal, which reflects both his determination and his vulnerability in the The most prevalent or dominant type of figurative language used in the "The Perks of Being a Wallflower" movie script Indirect requests are the most common type of figurative language in The Perks of Being a Wallflower, based on a semantic analysis of the filmAos script.
Eight instances of this language style appear in the dialogue, reflecting the charactersAo tendency to express desires and intentions tactfully and indirectly.
This aligns with (Culpeper & Haugh, 2.
perspective on indirectness in interaction, where indirect speech acts are used to convey socially sensitive meanings without risking face-threatening situations.
Charlie, the protagonist, frequently employs this strategy his reserved and emotionally sensitive personality leads him to say things like AuDo you want me to tell you?Ay instead of making a direct statement.
ELTIN Journal: Journal of English Language Teaching in Indonesia.
Volume 13/No 2.
October These instances also reflect modern interpretations of politeness theory, such as those proposed by Locher and Watts .
, who argue that politeness is best understood as a relational and dynamic practice rather than a fixed strategy.
CharlieAos use of indirect forms helps him maintain interpersonal harmony and avoid confrontation.
From a sociolinguistic perspective, indirectness is also considered a pragmatic tool used by socially vulnerable individuals to seek inclusion while minimizing the risk of rejection or misunderstanding (Holmes & Wilson, 2.
These subtle expressions enrich the authenticity of the characters' interactions and highlight CharlieAos emotional sensitivity.
Ultimately, indirect requests in the film serve not only a narrative function but also reflect deeper interpersonal dynamics rooted in contemporary theories of pragmatics, politeness, and sociolinguistics.
CONCLUSION
This study aimed to identify and analyze the types of figurative language used in The Perks of Being a Wallflower movie script.
The findings indicate that all ten types of figurative language identified by Colston .
are present in the movie, with indirect requests being the most frequent, reflecting the protagonistAos emotional complexity and indirect communication style.
Other frequently used types such as verbal irony, metaphor, and repetition further illustrate the charactersAo psychological depth and narrative themes.
This implies that the scriptwriter has deliberately employed figurative language to reflect the charactersAo social and psychological realities.
Furthermore.
CharlieAos frequent use of indirect language highlights his internal struggle and his desire to connect with others without exposing his vulnerabilities.
Such usage demonstrates that he is portrayed as sensitive, introspective, and emotionally complex.
However, this study is limited to analyzing only one character (Charli.
and one movie, which may not fully represent the broader use of figurative language across different characters or film genres.
Future research is recommended to explore figurative language usage in other characters or films, or even investigate how audiences interpret and emotionally respond to such figurative expressions.
This would enrich the understanding of how figurative language functions across different cinematic contexts and viewer perceptions.
REFERENCES