Topic 12 - Meaning between the lines (Session B) > Politeness and impoliteness > Task B

Politeness and impoliteness

Task B - An extreme example

The most extreme use of politeness to mitigate negative face we know of comes from a promise in the lyrics of Act 1 of the comic opera Princess Ida, where it is clearly being used for an additional humorous effect. King Hildebrand tells King Gama and his sons that:

We will hang you, never fear,
Most politely, most politely, most politely.

(W. S. Gilbert, Princess Ida I)

In what ways is this utterance polite and impolite, and what makes it humorous? When you have discussed the quotation, compare your account with ours.

Our answer

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