Abstract: As we all know, the academic study of politeness principle has a long history. Politeness principle not only benefits communication, but also promotes the development of language theory. In the popular literature "Gone with the Wind", the social scene communication appears frequently and the dialogue between the heroes can be seen in every chapter. This study analyses the character’s discourse in “Gone with the Wind” with Leech's politeness principle to explore how some of the typical breach of politeness principle lead to the failure of the communication, how communicative purpose fail and leave a very bad impression on others; this research also tries to study some typical successful examples comply with politeness principle. This study aims to tell people that in social communication which can not be avoided, we should pay attention to the language decency issues, take positive politeness strategies that meet own status according to the time and place of the scene. It is not only good for a successful communication, but also helps to build good relationships.

Key words: Gone with the Wind; Politeness Principle; pragmatic analysis

CONTENTS

Abstract

摘要

1. Introduction1

2. Literature Review...2

2.1 Origin of Politeness Principle

2.2 Content of Politeness Principle

3. Conversational Implicature in Gone with the Wind from Politeness Principle..3

3.1 Conversational Implicature adhering to Politeness Principle

3.1.1 Adhering to Tact Maxim

3.1.2 Adhering to Generosity Maxim

3.1.3 Adhering to Approbation Maxim

3.1.4 Adhering to Modesty Maxim

3.1.5 Adhering to Agreement Maxim 

3.1.6 Adhering to Sympathy Maxim

3.2 Conversational Implicature violating 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 ..10

Bibliography.11

Acknowledgements..12