Topic 12 - Meaning between the lines (Session B) > Topic twelve 'tool' summary

Topic twelve 'tool' summary

In this topic we have explored two important ways in which ‘the meaning between the lines’ can be explored in plays.

In session A we have looked at how we can infer what is meant from what is said mainly through Grice’s account of conversational cooperation and its associated maxims and we have seen it at work in extracts from two plays, helping us to understand the ‘subtext’ of a play and relations between characters.

In session B have gone on to explore the role of politeness in conversation in general, and dramatic talk in particular.

We have distinguished positive and negative face-threatening acts (FTAs), and how face threat can be mitigated through linguistic means and we have used politeness analysis in extracts from two plays to show how we can infer characterisation, character-based conversational styles and character relations from politeness behaviour.

Don’t forget to do some reading to follow up on these topics.

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