Journal of the stylistic of Persian poem and prose
volume Number 19، number In Volume 8، November 2026 ، issue Number 126

An Analysis of Female Character’s Speech Style Based on Searle’s Model in the Narrative Structure of Narges Abyar’s When the Moon Was Full

Shaghayegh Mehregan , Foroogh Kazemi (Author in Charge), Bahram Modarresi

Abstract

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: The media is one of the factors affecting different segments of society that plays an important role in the transmission of culture and gender discourse. The aim of this study is to examine speech acts with a focus on the prominent presence of women, who play a central role in the narrative of the film When the Moon Was Full, a work by the contemporary writer and director Narges Abyar, and who can contribute to shaping cultural attitudes toward gender equality.

METHODOLOGY: This study, in a qualitative-quantitative way, with data collected throught library research based on the theory of Searle"s speech act theory, in a systematic manner.

FINDINGS: The findings suggest that the linguistic power of the female actors of this film shows a function of the social-cultural context of society. Accordingly, the distribution of power in the discourse of women in the film’s story is a way that women have less power and sustainability against patriarchal society, use cautious language, and their speech lacks aggression.

CONCLUSION: Although the use of persuasive actions in modern women"s speech is one of the most efficient strategies to achieve independence and freedom of expression, their use in this film by traditional female actors acts as a tool to defend individual rights and change the social system. Therefore, even in the film, even persuasive and expressive actions are not effective on the audience because of the domination of traditional structures. Because in the end, these actions are faced with violent speech or are ineffective.

Keyword
Speech acts , Power , Gender , The film When the Moon Was Full , situational context