Stylistic Analysis of Metaphors in Modern Pakistani English Poetry: A Linguistic and Literary Perspective

Abstract

This study explores the stylistic use of metaphors in modern Pakistani English poetry through a combined linguistic and literary lens. It examines how metaphors function not only as aesthetic devices but also as tools for expressing identity, cultural hybridity, and socio-political commentary. Drawing on Conceptual Metaphor Theory (CMT) and literary stylistics, the research analyzes selected poems by contemporary Pakistani poets writing in English. The analysis identifies key metaphorical domains—such as nationhood, spirituality, gender, and resistance—and investigates how these metaphors reflect indigenous cultural values while engaging with global literary traditions. The study highlights how metaphors rooted in Sufi mysticism, Islamic symbolism, and local imagery are recontextualized to address themes like displacement, colonial legacy, and modernity. Stylistically, the poets employ metaphor with innovation, often blending traditional forms with experimental techniques, including code-switching and intertextuality. These strategies enrich the poetic texture and reflect the linguistic duality of writing in English within a South Asian context. By bridging linguistic theory and literary analysis, this research contributes to the understanding of metaphor as a dynamic element in postcolonial poetic expression. It underscores the role of Pakistani English poetry in expanding the stylistic and cultural boundaries of English literature.