THE ROLE OF POLITENESS STRATEGIES IN ADJACENCY PAIRS WITH IN “THE OYSTER AND THE PEARL”

Abstract

This research is conducted to analyze the use of adjacency pairs and the politeness strategies in the play” The Oyster and the Pearl” by William Saroyan. The purpose of this research is to explore the types of adjacency pairs in the interactions of the characters, to evaluate the responses of the discussion as well as to find out the politeness strategies in the interpersonal communication of the characters. This qualitative research uses text analysis as methodology by utilizing the documents particularly the dialogues which fall under the category of politeness theory. Data collection is based on the study of the relevant material in order to find out the dialogues which are based on the politeness strategies as well as the adjacency pairs. The study explores the two types of politeness strategies: based on the structure of Brown and Levinson. As positive politeness is shown in the character of Harry who shows utmost politeness to other people by including humor in his conversation. On the other hand Miss McCutcheon employs negative face by using the indirect and formal use in her interaction. Thus the use of the strategies unveils the core themes of the play that is based on the honor and respect, empathy, cultural values and norms of the society which are observed in the conversations of the characters of the play.