1. Introduction

By examining different parts of Animal Farm, researchers can illustrate how discourse coherence works. The introduction, the construction of the animal's utopia, Boxer's character, Napoleon's rise to power, and the battle of the windmill offer valuable segments to conduct research on discourse coherence. However, the subjectivity of readers, the necessity for contextual knowledge, the prevalence of symbolism, and the time-consuming nature of the analysis, among other challenges, hinder the study of discourse coherence. Nonetheless, an extensive and objective analysis of Animal Farm using discourse coherence theory can improve the understanding of how structural and organizational elements of texts make them easy to interpret and comprehend.

While the challenges of analyzing Animal Farm with regard to discourse coherence theory are significant, the potential rewards are significant as well. Four sections evaluated the animal's rebellion, propaganda use, the use of language by certain characters, and the ending of the narrative, offer significant insights into the author's intent and the construction of the literary device. Furthermore, they provide an opportunity to understand how coherence theory works and how analyzing written narratives can provide useful information about how people perceive and interpret text. Therefore, interrogating these elements of Animal Farm can provide critical insights into the coherence of the narrative.

Conducting a micro analysis of Animal Farm from the perspective of discourse coherence theory unveils valuable insights into language use, discourse markers, referential cohesion, and thematic coherence. By closely examining these elements, researchers can understand how they contribute to the overall coherence of the text and shed light on the author's intent. However, challenges such as subjectivity in interpretation, the presence of allegory, and the structure of the text must be considered during the analysis process. Despite these challenges, micro analysis provides a deeper understanding of how discourse coherence theory operates and how different components of a narrative contribute to its overall coherence.[1]

2. Literature Review

2.1. Discourse Coherence Theory

The body of research related to Discourse Coherence Theory has grown significantly since the 2000s, and this literature review provides a summary of 15 academic papers from core journals on the topic. Discourse coherence refers to the idea that a well-formed discourse contains linguistic elements that are connected to each other by a set of coherent relations.

Several researchers discuss how discourse coherence theory can be applied to different contexts. For example, in section 2.1, McGlynn [2] proposes an epistemological theory of testimony based on discourse coherence, while Fassio and Iacona [8] argue for the relevance of discourse coherence to philosophical claims. Similarly, Eshkol-Taravella and Cohen [12] investigate the relationship between coherence and truth/falsity in discourse, and Roberts [9] explores the connection between coherence and the rhetoric of political debates.

Other papers focus on the specific language structures that contribute to discourse coherence, such as temporal adverbials [11], contrastive disjunctives [19], and bare nominals [3]. Additionally, several papers examine how discourse coherence affects the interpretation of different linguistic phenomena, including pronominal reference [4], referential expressions [25], exclamatory questions [21], and counterfactuals [17].

Finally, two papers investigate the practical implications of discourse coherence theory. Odijk [18] argues that discourse coherence is an important criterion for assessing the quality of linguistic data, while Roberts [24] discusses the importance of coherence in legal decision-making.

Overall, this part demonstrates the versatility and relevance of discourse coherence theory across a range of linguistic and non-linguistic contexts. Future research on discourse coherence could focus on developing a more comprehensive theory that accounts for the many different factors that contribute to coherence, as well as investigating its broader implications for human communication and cognition.

2.2. George Orwell and his Animal Farm

Animal Farm is a powerful literary work that reflects the dynamics of power, language, and ideology in society. The allegory of the Russian Revolution is a dominant theme, but some authors argue that the novel should not be read solely as a historical account. Instead, Orwell's animal fable speaks to more universal issues of power, oppression, and resistance.

Following pages also explore the role of language in Animal Farm, highlighting how the pigs use rhetoric to manipulate the other animals and maintain their dominance. Critics note that the novel's focus on language and propaganda is particularly relevant in today's context of fake news and post-truth politics.

In addition, these researches shows that some authors argue that Orwell's Animal Farm is a political satire, while others suggest that it is an animal tale that uses anthropomorphism to convey its message. These papers address the novel's reception and interpretation, which has been shaped by historical context, political ideology, and literary theory.

Overall, the literature on George Orwell's Animal Farm encompasses a wide range of topics and issues related to the literary work. The papers surveyed in this review provide insights into the political, social, historical, linguistic, and cultural dimensions of Animal Farm.

Several researchers examine the use of animal fable and other literary techniques in Animal Farm. In section 2.2, Head [6] focuses on the tropes of power in the novel, while Ryan [5] discusses the use of irony to engage the non-ironic audience. These papers demonstrate how Orwell uses literary devices to convey his message and critique.

A number of researchers analyze Animal Farm in the context of the Russian Revolution and Soviet politics. Birat [22] examines the ways in which Orwell's novel reflects the historical events of the revolution. Lewis [7] contextualizes Orwell's allegory within the larger canon of political literature. Anderson [20] challenges the conventional interpretations of Animal Farm and offers a re-evaluation of the text.

Other papers focus on the relevance of Animal Farm to contemporary issues. Kodie [21] asserts that the novel's depiction of power struggles can be seen in modern-day political events. Bowen [10] discusses how Orwell's use of language in the novel is a key source of its power. Sheppard [14] analyzes the political language of Orwell and the relationship between language and power in Animal Farm.

Finally, some researchers explore the critical reception and influence of Animal Farm. Ingerman and Parker [13] examine the categorization of the novel and its implications for interpretation. Hollingsworth [23] delves into the possible CIA connections to Animal Farm's publication and its implications for understanding its political import.

In summary, these papers demonstrate the richness and complexity of Animal Farm as a literary work and as a political commentary. By exploring various aspects of the novel, these scholars shed light on the ways Orwell's writing continues to resonate with readers and shape our understanding of politics and power.

3. Methodology

The methodology of this research paper involves the use of discourse coherence theory to examine George Orwell's Animal Farm. The research process has been divided into several steps to ensure a systematic and comprehensive analysis of the text.[2-4]

Step 1: Literature review

The first step involves a thorough literature review of discourse coherence theory and its applicability in analyzing literary texts. The review covers studies that have used the theory to evaluate the coherence and cohesion of text structures, including narrative and argumentative structures.

Step 2: Text selection

The second step involves the selection of the text to be analyzed. Animal Farm was chosen due to its significant use of allegory to criticize societal and political structures. The novel is a classic example of a literary work that can be examined through coherent and cohesive discourse analysis.

Step 3: Data collection

The third step involves the collection of data from the text. This includes the collection of linguistic and semantic units, discourse markers, and the identification of the relationship between sentences and paragraphs. The data is coded and entered into a software program for analysis.

Step 4: Data analysis

The fourth step involves the analysis of the data collected using discourse coherence theory. This involves the identification of cohesive devices, such as conjunctions, pronouns, and lexical repetitions, and patterns of discourse cohesion and coherence. The analysis will focus on the narrative structure of the text and its connection to the central theme, which is the critique of political power structures.

Step 5: Interpretation and discussion

The fifth step involves the interpretation and discussion of the analysis results. The results will be discussed in light of the literature review and existing research on discourse coherence theory. The interpretation will provide insights into the ways in which Orwell uses text cohesion and coherence to communicate his message effectively.

Step 6: Conclusion and implications

The final step involves the conclusion and implications of the research. The research will draw conclusions about how discourse coherence theory can be used to analyze literary texts and the significance of its application in interpreting Animal Farm. The implications of the research will be discussed, including its contribution to the fields of discourse analysis and literary studies.

4. Analysis

4.1. Summary of narrative

Animal Farm is a classic allegorical novel written by George Orwell and published in 1945. It tells the story of a group of farm animals who overthrow their human farmer to establish an egalitarian society where all animals are equal and share in the benefits of their labor. However, things quickly go astray as the pigs, who take on leadership roles, become corrupted by power and gradually transform the farm into a totalitarian regime.

The novel can be seen as a critique of the corruption and failure of the Russian Revolution and the subsequent rise of Stalinism. Each character in Animal Farm represents a figure or group from the early days of the Soviet Union. For example, Old Major, the wise and respected boar who inspires the rebellion, symbolizes Karl Marx and his vision of a socialist utopia. Napoleon, the power-hungry and tyrannical pig, is a representation of Joseph Stalin, while Snowball, the intellectual and idealistic pig, represents Leon Trotsky.[5]

One of the main themes explored in Animal Farm is the nature of power and its corrupting influence. The pigs, after initially proclaiming their commitment to equality, gradually begin to consolidate power and manipulate the other animals for their own benefit. They rewrite the principles of Animalism, the ideology that symbolizes the initial rebellion, to favor their privilege and suppress dissent. This abuse of power is exemplified by the commandment "All animals are equal, but some animals are more equal than others", which highlights the hypocrisy and inequality that arise within a supposedly egalitarian society.[6]

Another central theme in the novel is the manipulation of language and propaganda. The pigs use their superior intelligence to control the narrative and justify their actions to the other animals. They gradually change the commandments and rewrite history to maintain their authority, ultimately erasing any memory of the original vision of equality. This manipulation of language and information is strongly linked to the concepts of discourse coherence theory.[7]

Discourse coherence theory focuses on how a text or narrative maintains logical and semantic connections between its constituent parts to create a coherent and meaningful whole. In Animal Farm, the manipulation of language by the pigs creates a distortion of reality and disrupts the coherence of the discourse. Through their use of propaganda and rewriting of history, the pigs effectively control the narrative and shape the perception of the other animals, thereby enforcing their authority.

By analyzing Animal Farm through the lens of discourse coherence theory, researchers can gain insight into the power of language and narrative to shape discourse and control public opinion. The novel demonstrates how the pigs' manipulation of language disrupts the coherence of the discourse, creating a distorted narrative that supports their authority and suppresses dissent. This manipulation of language mirrors real-world instances in which those in power use rhetoric and propaganda to shape public perception and maintain control.[8,9]

Studying Animal Farm in the context of discourse coherence theory allows researchers to better understand the mechanisms behind the manipulation of language and the distortion of reality for political purposes. It highlights the importance of critically analyzing narratives and the power dynamics at play in shaping public discourse. Additionally, the novel serves as a cautionary tale, reminding us of the dangers of unchecked power and the potential consequences of allowing those in power to control the narrative. Therefore, Animal Farm serves as a valuable case study for research on discourse coherence theory and its implications for society.[10]

4.2. Global Analysis

Discourse coherence is an essential component of communication and understanding, especially in written text. The theory explains the structural and organizational elements of text that make it easy to interpret and comprehend. In this regard, Animal Farm's narrative provides several valuable parts for research in discourse coherence theory. This essay highlights some of the most valuable segments in the text, potential discoveries, and challenges to conducting discourse coherence research.[11,12]

One of the most valuable parts of Animal Farm is the introduction, where George Orwell sets the stage for the reader. In this section, Orwell outlines the characters, plot, and aftermath of the revolution, creating a background that makes it easier for the reader to follow the story. A crucial element of discourse coherence theory is the establishment of a communicative context that informs the reader what to expect. By providing a clear introduction, Orwell helps the reader understand the objective and direction of the narrative.[13]

Another valuable segment is the construction of the animal's utopia in the aftermath of the revolution. The animals work together and establish a social structure that enables them to distribute resources equally, among other things. The segment allows the reader to understand the principles driving the animal's society while providing a foundation that enables the reader to comprehend what separates the animals from Mr. Jones. Discourse coherence theory emphasizes the role of cohesion and coherence by creating links between sentences and paragraphs, establishing themes, and having a definite thesis. Orwell achieves these aims by providing a robust schema that helps the reader understand what drives the animals' society.[14]

The rise of Napoleon and his betrayal of Snowball represents another valuable element for researching discourse coherence. Napoleon represents the corrupting influence of power, and his manipulation of the animals' principles symbolizes the end of the utopia. The events that followed Napoleon's rise to power were confusing to a certain extent, characterized by propaganda, executions, lies, and leadership disputes. Thus, the story is fragmented and less coherent than usual, reflecting the breakdown of the animal society. Consequently, the segment provides an opportunity to examine how coherence works in the absence of cohesion.

Boxer's character provides another critical element for discourse coherence research. He represents the workers who risk their lives to achieve their goals but, ultimately, face betrayal from the leadership. Boxer's story highlights the role of established intertextual links that help the reader comprehend the character's plight. Boxer's story links with Karl Marx's statement, "From each according to his ability, to each according to his needs," and the concept of the brute labor that drives the animal's farm. By providing intertextual links, Orwell enables the reader to compare and contrast different elements from different sources. This function builds coherence in the narrative by highlighting the continuum that drives the themes of the text.

In the latter stages of the novel, Orwell introduces significant adrenaline-filled events, such as the battle of the windmill, which provides another important segment for discourse coherence research. The events in this section work to bind the narrative cohesively, as the author brings together the different elements from previous chapters. Through detailed descriptions, Orwell recreates the battle of the windmill, bridging different episodes found in the novel.[15]

On the other hand, exploring the different components of discourse coherence theory presents several challenges. One major issue is the potential subjectivity of readers, which can make it challenging to assess the coherence of any given text. Different readers will have various interpretations of the same text, based on experience, knowledge, ontological framework, and other factors. Also, the biases of the researchers could influence their ability to conduct objective coherence analysis.

Secondly, discourse coherence theory relies heavily on the context and knowledge shared by the reader and writer. Consequently, the lack of vital background information can lead to a fragmented narrative that fails to communicate the writer's intended meaning. In Animal Farm, Orwell assumes that the reader possesses some knowledge about the events of the Russian Revolution. A reader without such knowledge would likely struggle to grasp the subtleties of the narrative comfortably.

Moreover, the prevalence of symbolism in Animal Farm poses another challenge. Orwell uses several symbols in the text, such as the pig and the windmill, to convey meaning. However, these symbols can be ambiguous and susceptible to multiple interpretations, making it difficult to accurately determine their role in the narrative.

Last but not least, the theory requires extensive writing and analysis, making it time-consuming and exhaustive. Careful consideration and evaluation of all the elements of Animal Farm are necessary of an insightful analysis into the discourse coherence of the novel.[16,17]

4.3. Macro Analysis

Discourse coherence theory is a critical aspect of discourse analysis that seeks to explain how different components of written or spoken text are organized into a coherent whole. It investigates how meaningful and logical relationships between different parts of text are established to convey specific meanings or messages. In analyzing the narrative structure of Animal Farm, several valuable parts can be identified to offer insights into the study of discourse coherence theory. This part will explore the aspects of the animal's rebellion, language use, propaganda, and the ending of the novel in considering key components of Animal Farm discourse that provide opportunities for macro analysis.[18,19]

The first section to consider in Animal Farm for macro analysis is the animals' rebellion against Mr. Jones, the farm owner. The narrative offers an insight into the central idea of the story, which is the desire of the animals to be free from human tyranny and to govern themselves. Through analysis of how this particular plot is constructed, discourse coherence theorists can learn about the narrative's organization, how the author's intent is conveyed, the objectives of the characters, and the different arguments put forward. This narrative section provides an opportunity to evaluate how coherent and consistent the story is in establishing and maintaining its themes across different sections.

The second section is that of language used by the animals and pigs in particular. The pigs play a central role in dictating the new society that the animals establish after the overthrow of the humans. Their manner of communication and language use is critical in shaping the animal's perception of society and their beliefs and values. The discourse coherence theory investigates how ideology is constructed through language use, how meanings are conveyed and how a reader follows aspects such as the use of political language.

The third section to evaluate is propaganda use, a tactic used by the pigs to maintain their hold on power, discredit opponents, and control the narrative. Analysis in this section is useful in determining the relationships between the various themes and elements of the story in constructing a larger argument. This propaganda use illustrates how certain parts of the narrative support others and offers insights into how the pigs manipulate language to maintain their hold on power.

The fourth section for discourse coherence theorists to consider is the ending of the novel. This segment represents how ideas and themes are concluded and how they come together to form a coherent whole. It is in these final conclusions that the reader is given an idea of the overarching theme of the story, how the ideas explored in the narrative form coherent arguments, and how the literary devices employed are used to reinforce the story's message.[20]

Challenge in Animal Farm's macro analysis is in the structure of the text. Animal Farm was written in an allegorical form, meaning that although the text is meant to convey meaning and messages about the Russian revolution, it is also expected to stand on its own as a coherent story. As such, some elements of the story that may be crucial to understanding the allegory may not directly aid in understanding the story's coherence from a micro-level. Furthermore, readers may interpret different aspects of the text with different levels of importance, which may form part of their subjective coherence. The author's intent may be lost, and the overall coherence may be misconstrued by the reader.

4.4. Micro Analysis

When conducting a micro analysis of the narrative Animal Farm from the perspective of discourse coherence theory, several valuable parts can be identified. By closely examining the language use, discourse markers, referential cohesion, and thematic coherence, researchers can gain insights into how these components contribute to the overall coherence of the text. In this part, I will discuss the valuable parts that offer opportunities for micro analysis in Animal Farm, what can potentially be discovered, and the challenges that may arise during this analysis.[21]

One significant aspect to explore in Animal Farm is the language use, particularly the manipulation of language by the pigs to maintain control over the other animals. The pigs establish their dominance by exploiting the power of rhetoric, persuasive techniques, and political language. They use slogans like "Four legs good, two legs bad" and "All animals are equal" to convince the animals of their leadership. By closely examining the language choices, persuasive strategies, and effectiveness of the pigs' communication, discourse coherence theory can reveal how rhetoric and political language shape the animals' perception and understanding of their society.

Another valuable part to consider is the presence of discourse markers, which are words or phrases that guide the reader through the text and signal relationships between sentences and ideas. In Animal Farm, discourse markers play a crucial role in clarifying the logical connections and coherence of the narrative. For instance, the repeated use of phrases like "But remember, comrades" or "Surely, none of you wishes" highlights the persuasive and manipulative nature of the pigs' discourse. Analyzing the placement, frequency, and effects of these discourse markers can provide insights into how the narrative flows and how the ideas presented are interconnected.

The analysis of referential cohesion is also key when examining Animal Farm through the lens of discourse coherence theory. This aspect refers to how references to people, objects, or concepts are introduced, developed, and maintained throughout the narrative. In Animal Farm, while characters maintain their names, their roles and attributes change over time. For example, Snowball starts as a positive figure advocating for the animals' welfare but later becomes a traitor in Napoleon's propaganda. By studying how these referential shifts are managed and how consistency or inconsistency of references affects the coherence of the text, discourse coherence theory can reveal the author's underlying messages and intentions.

Thematic coherence is another relevant part of micro analysis in Animal Farm. It involves examining the interconnectedness of themes and the transitions between different topics within the text. Analyzing the themes of power, corruption, inequality, and manipulation can provide valuable insights into the coherence of the narrative. For instance, examining how the theme of power is developed, how it intersects with other themes, and how the story's events and characters contribute to reinforcing these themes can reveal the overall coherence of the text.

The allegorical nature of Animal Farm poses a challenge. While the text serves as an allegory for the Russian Revolution, it must also form a coherent standalone story. The coherence of the narrative from a micro perspective may differ slightly from the intended coherence of the allegory, as certain elements may be crucial for the allegorical reading but less relevant for the micro analysis. Balancing the analysis between the micro-level coherence and the overarching allegorical coherence can be complex.[22,23]

The structure of the text also presents challenges for micro-level analysis. Animal Farm consists of discrete chapters that can be read independently, but coherent analysis requires considering the narrative as a whole. With the presence of different characters, shifts in power dynamics, and varying thematic focuses within each chapter, maintaining the cohesive thread throughout the analysis can be demanding.

4.5. Challenge or opportunity

While doing this research, you will find repetition occurs frequently, such as some persuasive words like "Comrade" in The Old Major 's speech at the beginning of the novella. Here's where a problem arises that few professional researchers regard "repetition" as one part of the Discourse Coherence Theory, but it just occurs in many narratives including the target narrative Animal Farm of my research. What is the function of repetition when it occurs in a narrative? Could the "Repetition" become one part of the Discourse Coherence Theory in the visible future?[24]

The function of repetition in narrative is multifaceted and serves various purposes. While it may not be considered as an explicit component of Discourse Coherence Theory at present, it is possible that repetition could be acknowledged as a significant aspect in the future. To understand the function of repetition in narrative, we need to delve into its role in storytelling and how it contributes to discourse coherence.

Repetition in narrative can serve multiple functions. Firstly, it aids in emphasizing key ideas or themes. By repeating certain words, phrases, or concepts, authors draw attention to their significance and ensure that they remain in the readers' minds. In the case of Animal Farm, the repetition of terms like "Comrade" in Old Major's speech establishes a sense of unity and equality among the animals, serving as a rallying cry for their revolution. This repetition reinforces the central message of the novel and helps to create coherence by linking various events and characters to the overarching theme of the story.

Secondly, repetition can create a rhythm or cadence within the narrative. When specific words or phrases are repeated, it generates a pattern that can have a profound impact on the reader's engagement. The rhythmical quality of repetition can evoke certain emotions, enhance the narrative flow, and intensify the impact of the story. For example, the repetition of the commandment "Four legs good, two legs bad" in Animal Farm not only reinforces the principles of Animalism but also creates a rhythmic structure that ensures its easy remembrance by the animals. This repetition adds coherence to the discourse by providing a recurring pattern that holds the narrative together.

Additionally, repetition can function as a device for characterization. Different characters may have their own distinct catchphrases or habits of repeating certain words. This repetition becomes characteristic of their personality and helps the reader to identify and understand them better. In Animal Farm, the pig Squealer repeatedly uses phrases like "tactics," "loyalty," or "pursuing our goals," which establishes his manipulative nature and illustrates his role as the government's propaganda machine. Repetition thus aids in building well-rounded and identifiable characters, contributing to the coherence of the narrative by ensuring consistency in their portrayal.

Furthermore, repetition can be employed to highlight contrasts or changes in the narrative. When certain words or phrases are repeated and then varied, it signals shifts in the story, character development, or thematic progression. By altering the repetition, authors can create suspense, irony, or explore the evolving nature of their narrative. In Animal Farm, the repeated slogan "All animals are equal, but some animals are more equal than others" exemplifies how repetition is used to expose the hypocrisy and corruption of the pigs who align themselves with the oppressive human beings. This variation in repetition adds coherence to the discourse by shedding light on the changing dynamics within the farm.

While repetition plays an essential role in narrative coherence, it is not explicitly acknowledged within the current understanding of Discourse Coherence Theory. Discourse Coherence Theory primarily focuses on the structural and semantic aspects of discourse, such as coherence relations, referential chains, or thematic progression. However, it is plausible that with further research and advancement in the field, repetition could be recognized as a valuable component of discourse coherence.

Repetition contributes to discourse coherence by creating a sense of unity, emphasizing key ideas, establishing rhythm, supporting characterization, and highlighting contrasts. These functions align with the general goals of Discourse Coherence Theory in maintaining the coherence and cohesion of a narrative. By acknowledging repetition as a significant factor in discourse coherence, researchers can delve deeper into its role and explore how it interacts with other coherence phenomena.[25]

In conclusion, repetition in narrative serves several functions that contribute to discourse coherence. Despite the current lack of explicit recognition within Discourse Coherence Theory, repetition plays an essential role in emphasizing ideas, creating rhythm, supporting characterization, and highlighting contrasts. In the future, it is plausible that repetition could be acknowledged as an integral part of discourse coherence as research and understanding in the field continues to evolve.

5. Conclusion

In the above sections, the valuable parts of the narrative Animal Farm that are discussed provide opportunities for macro and micro-level analysis from the perspective of discourse coherence theory. The macro-level analysis highlighted the animal's rebellion, language use, propaganda, and the ending of the novel as key sections to consider. The micro-level analysis explored the manipulation of language by the pigs, the presence of discourse markers, referential cohesion, and thematic coherence as important aspects to analyze.

Some of the major themes that emerged throughout all four sections are the critical role of language use in establishing discourse coherence, the interconnectedness of themes and ideas in constructing a coherent narrative, the impact of subjectivity in the interpretation of coherence, and the challenges inherent in the allegorical nature and structure of Animal Farm.

Moving forward, the key challenges in analyzing Animal Farm from a discourse coherence perspective include the need to balance the micro-level analysis with the overarching allegorical coherence, the challenges of interpreting coherence in a subjective manner, the difficulty of navigating the structure of the text, and the challenges of reconciling different interpretations of discourse coherence theory. Additionally, since literary texts are open to multiple interpretations, researchers in the future must take care not to impose their interpretive frameworks but to make way for an understanding that can accommodate different readers' views.