Abstract:Politeness is the symbol of human civilization and a basic principle of human lives. This study takes the politeness principle proposed by Leech as a frame and analyzes the conversations from two main aspects which are the adherence and violation of the principle from the view of six maxims. It aims to study the functions and meanings of politeness principle in the TV series. And it also can help people to have a better understanding of politeness principle in order to have a better communication with others. 

Key words: politeness principle; desperate housewives; pragmatics; six maxims

CONTENTS

摘要

Abstract

1. Introduction1

2. Literature Review.2

  2.1 Politeness Principle

  2.2 Brief Introduction of “Desperate Housewives” 

  2.3 Researches of “Desperate Housewives” 

3. The Analysis of Conversations under Politeness Principle3

  3.1 Conversations Adhering to the Politeness Principle 

     3.1.1 Adherence to Tact Maxim

     3.1.2 Adherence to Generosity Maxim

     3.1.3 Adherence to Approbation Maxim 

 3.1.4 Adherence to Modesty Maxim

 3.1.5 Adherence to Agreement Maxim 

     3.1.6 Adherence to Sympathy Maxim

  3.2 Conversations Violating the Politeness Principle 

     3.2.1 Violation of Tact Maxim 

     3.2.2 Violation of Generosity Maxim

     3.2.3 Violation of Approbation Maxim

     3.2.4 Violation of Modesty Maxim 

     3.2.5 Violation of Agreement Maxim

     3.2.6 Violation of Sympathy Maxim

4. Conclusion.11

Bibliography.13

Acknowledgments14