A Stylistic Analysis of Modality and Shade in All the Light We Cannot See

This study aimed at investigation the use of different types and functions of modality in AnthonyDoerr's novel “All the Light We Cannot See”. More specifically, it intended to reveal how suchmodals influence the shading of the narrative. Using the frameworks of Simpson and Fowler, theanalysis examined modals like can, will, should, must, and might to explore the overall shading ofthe novel. The prevailing use of negative modality often signaled uncertainty, danger, andsuffering, while fewer positive modalities existed to highlight hope, resilience, and connectionamid chaos. The findings revealed that Doerr’s language balances these modalities, shaping howreaders engage with the text. Although negative shading is prevalent due to frequent use of modalsconveying danger and uncertainty, positive modals offer a portrayal of resilience and hope. Thestudy implies how Anthony Doerr exploited the means of language as modals as tools to achievehis goal in his soecific style.

Keywords:

Literary discourse” , “Modality” , “Shade” , “Stylistics