Meaning Construction through Simile-Driven Transitivity in The Rainbow Troops

Abstract

This study examines how simile clauses in the novel construct meaning through transitivity analysis within the framework of Systemic Functional Linguistics (SFL). Rather than proposing a new theoretical model, the study applies transitivity systematically to explore how simile functions as a linguistic resource for representing experiential meaning and cultural values. The data consist of 153 simile clauses identified in the novel and analyzed qualitatively using transitivity processes, participant roles, and clause patterns. The findings show that simile clauses frequently employ material, mental, and relational processes to construct meanings related to perseverance, spirituality, and social solidarity. These findings demonstrate the analytical potential of transitivity for interpreting figurative language in literary texts, particularly in the context of Indonesian cultural values.