A Semiotic Analysis of The Selected Poem in Rupi Kaur ' s Milk and Honey

Abstract

The objective of the research was to analyze the semiotic elements in Rupi Kaur’s poems collection Milk and Honey, using Ferdinand de Saussure’s semiotic theory and to identify the signifiers and the signifieds in ten selected poems and to explain the messages conveyed through the relationship between the two. This research was to use a qualitative descriptive method with content analysis techniques to examine how meaning is formed through the relationship between visual illustrations and poetic text. Data were collected through literature review and purposive sampling. Ten poems were selected based on their thematic representation of the book’s four main sections: The Hurting, The Loving, The Breaking, and The Healing. The results show that each poem possesses a system of visual and verbal sign that represent emotional experiences, identity, trauma, love, and personal growth. The interaction between the signifier and signified in each poem contributes to the overall meaning and message and illustrates the depth of the poet’s expression.