Abstract
This paper explores the conceptual
metaphor of love through a stylistic examination of metaphorical
representations in Mariama Bâ's "So Long a Letter" and Zaynab
Alkali's "The Virtuous Woman". By employing a multidisciplinary
approach, drawing from conceptual metaphor theory, stylistics, and feminist
literary theory, it investigates how metaphorical language shapes our
understanding of love, identity, and agency in these seminal West African
novels. Through a close reading of key scenes and passages, it identifies and
analyzes the metaphorical concepts that underline the authors' representations
of love, including journey, garden, food, and clothes. By examining the
linguistic and cultural contexts that inform these metaphors, it sheds light on
the complex experiences of women in West Africa, highlighting the intersections
between love, culture, and identity. It contributes to ongoing conversations on
love, language, and identity in African literature, offering new insights into
the ways metaphorical language constructs and reflects cultural norms and
values. By comparing and contrasting the metaphorical representations of love
in "So Long a Letter" and "The Virtuous Woman", the paper
reveals the nuanced and multifaceted nature of love in West African contexts.
The findings of this research have implications for our understanding of love
and relationships in African societies, challenging simplistic or romanticized
notions of love. Furthermore, it demonstrates the value of stylistic analysis
in uncovering the complexities of literary representation, highlighting the
significance of linguistic and cultural context in shaping our understanding of
literary texts. Ultimately, it provides a deeper understanding of the intricate
relationships between love, language, and identity in West African literature.
Keywords: Conceptual Metaphor, Love,
Stylistics, So Long a Letter, The Virtuous Woman
DOI: 10.36349/alqajolls.2026.v01i02.036
author/Yasir Bala, Ph.D. & Rahimatu Aliyu Santuraki
journal/AL-QALAM JLLS 1(2) | June 2026
