"Decoding the Hidden Meanings of ‘Not Waving but Drowning’ by Stevie Smith: A Semiotic Analysis"

Abstract

This paper provides a semiotic interpretation of the poem ‘Not Waving but Drowning’ by Stevie Smith. The paper studies many aspects of meaning and symbolical support of the poem so that to understand the reflected issues in a deeper way. The results suggest that the poem provides a discourse on broader socio-cultural issues mirrored in mental health, gender bias, and representation in the society. With the help of analysis of different symbols in the poem, we understand the psychological challenges that individuals and as a whole society do not master in their attitude toward mental ill persons and that empathy and communication are the things that help to undermine societal norms. Also, the role of the broader cultural and historical contexts which influence our perceptions, values, and beliefs and, consequently, our understanding of literature is highlighted. The recommendations to assist mental health should be empathy, active listening and, the literature analysis to deal with the society’s issues and problems. In conclusion, this research paper serves as a criterion of reflection of literature as a media of many sociocultural problems and it answers to the challenges of societal struggles, and one of such answer is setting up some approaches intended to rise an awareness, empathy and a critical approach to everything.