Jill Santopolo's "The Light We Lost": Linguistics Study

This study combines three influential linguistic theories-Semiotics, Critical Discourse Analysis (CDA), and Speech Act Theory-to analyze *The Light We Lost* (2017), a contemporary bestselling novel written by the acclaimed American author Jill Santopolo. The novel has gained international recognition for its compelling narrative, emotional depth, and realistic portrayal of love, separation, personal growth, and life-altering choices. No previous study has examined it through the integrated perspectives of Semiotics, Critical Discourse Analysis, and Speech Act Theory. The choice of this novel is motivated by its rich linguistic content and its focus on human relationships, communication, and emotional expression. The narrative is built around the experiences of the protagonist and her interactions with other characters, making language a central element in the construction of meaning. As a result, the novel offers an ideal corpus for exploring how discourse, symbols, and communicative acts contribute to character development and thematic representation.