In this thesis I based on Fowler’s method of syntax analysis construct a flow scheme which I then use to make a syntax analysis of former State Secretary Lars Danielsson’s statements, in his autobiography, regarding his responsibility in the Swedish government’s management of the 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami disaster. The focus of the flow scheme is how grammatical constructions can be used in the interest of rhetoric’s to on the syntax (non-explicit) level of the text indicate and place responsibility with or outside of involved individuals. The main conclusion of the syntax analysis performed is that Danielsson in his autobiography in fact does not use very many of the constructions described in the flow scheme, whereby it can be concluded that the syntax analysis in this case wasn’t so ”revealing”. However two complementary methods of text analysis; a metaphor analysis of the title of Danielsson’s autobiography ”In the shadow of power” and an analysis of the explicit level of the text, has revealed a conscious rhetorical argumentation regarding the question and placing of responsibility. A functional tool for syntax analysis has furthermore, regardless of the results, been constructed and is free for others to use and modify in their research.

Thesis--Auburn University, 2009. / Abstract. Vita. Includes bibliographical references (p. 109-122).

京都大学 / 0048 / 新制・課程博士 / 博士(地球環境学) / 甲第21241号 / 地環博第177号 / 新制||地環||35(附属図書館) / 京都大学大学院地球環境学舎地球環境学専攻 / (主査)教授 清野 純史, 准教授 小林 広英, 准教授 古川 愛子 / 学位規則第4条第1項該当 / Doctor of Global Environmental Studies / Kyoto University / DFAM

京都大学 / 新制・課程博士 / 博士(理学) / 甲第23455号 / 理博第4749号 / 新制||理||1681(附属図書館) / 京都大学大学院理学研究科地球惑星科学専攻 / (主査)准教授 成瀬 元 助教 松岡 廣繁, 教授 生形 貴男 / 学位規則第4条第1項該当 / Doctor of Science / Kyoto University / DFAM