Force Dynamics Systems in Iraqi EFL Sixth Secondary School’s Literature Passage "The Canary"

This research utilizes a cognitive linguistic framework to examine the Force Dynamics
system in Katherine Mansfield's short novel The Canary. Inspired by Leonard Talmy's theory of
Force Dynamics (1988, 2000), the work investigates how the linguistic and mental framework of the
story captures interactions between agonists and antagonists. Across physical, psychological, and
social spheres, the study notes trends of force interaction including causation, enabling, hindrance,
letting, and resistance.
Especially in its depiction of loneliness, bereavement, and the
anthropomorphized interaction between the narrator and her canary, these dynamics offer insight
into the underlying cognitive and emotional structures of the story. The research comes to the
conclusion that force dynamics significantly shapes narrative meaning and provides fresh ideas on
how conceptual structures guide literary interpretation.