The chameleon imperfect: Semantic and pragmatic deconstruction of its aspectualtemporal and modal values in the french novel

Abstract

This paper aims to deconstruct the semantic and pragmatic values of the Imperfect tense
beyond its descriptive function, by reconfiguring it as a true modal operator in the French novel.
Method: The analysis relies on Guillaumian psychomechanics (unaccomplished aspect) and enunciative linguistics (Benveniste, Ducrot) using a literary corpus (Flaubert, Stendhal).
Results: The study demonstrates that the Imperfect is a "chameleon" whose value is primarily
determined by the discursive context and the speaker's subjective intention, often serving to
introduce hypotheses or a subjective viewpoint rather than mere temporal grounding.