87 tautology is used to convince the sheriff that he is really Northup and he does not
lie about it. Here, if Northup observes maxim of quantity, he should not express the
tautology. He should stop after stating his wife’s name. Through tautology, Northup indeed flouts maxim of quantity by being more informative.
d. Irony
This is another strategy that may be used to flout the maxims of Cooperative Principle. It is a type of speech which suggests a different meaning from what is
said by the speaker. The frequency of this strategy to be used is 7 times 9.46. Commonly, this strategy is used for quality maxim flouting. It breaks the maxim
that requires a speaker to make a reliable contribution. The first example of maxim flouting using irony as the strategy is taken
from the conversation between Tibeats and Northup. They are arguing over Northup’s work in nailing on siding. Northup does not keep silent when Tibeats
criticizes his work. In this conversation, Northup uses a friendly way to hurt the
others. The use of the strategy is presented in the following data:
4: 22 Tibeats
: Callin me a liar, boy? Northup :
Only a matter of perspective, sir. From where you stand you may see differently. But the hands are not
mistaken. I ask only that you employ all your senses before rendering judgement.
Tibeats : You are a brute. You are a dog, and no better for
followin instruction.
Northup :
Ill do as ordered, sir.
Datum QL09IRCF In this exchange, Northup uses sarcasm to flout maxim of quality. It is
classified into irony since sarcasm is a form of irony which is not friendly. He
88 says his statement impolitely and his meaning is rather offensive. He tries to insult
Tibeat which is basically like the antagonist in his work area. Here, he breaks the maxim which requires him to make a contribution that is true. He states that
Tibeats’ question is a matter of perspective, but he is indeed calling Tibeats a liar when he says that the hands are not mistaken. Irony happens in this situation.
Northup blames Tibeats, but his statement does not really show the blame. Moreover, in his last sentence, Northup blames Tibeats. He flouts maxim of
quality by asking Tibeats to use all his senses. Here, the word ‘employ’ and ‘render’ are the main indicators that he uses sarcasm in his statement. He
expresses his statement unfriendly and he intends to offend Tibeats. After all, the strategy applied by Northup is irony. Here, if he is willing to observe the maxim,
he will say “Please, think carefully, sir.” Then, the second example of maxim flouting using irony as the strategy is
taken from the conversation between Celeste and Northup. It is at a time when Northup begins to reveal his true identity to Celeste since he wants to request a
thing. However, Celeste refuses to help. 4: 23 Celeste
: My freedom been nothin but a daydream. So was Celestes thoughts of slaves conjoinin in the bayou.
Northup :
Better the loneliness.
You have been free most of the summer. Return now and your master will make
example of you.
Celeste : It is lonely dwellin waiting for others who wont never
come.
Northup :
Go north. Make your way by night... Datum QL15IRCM
Here, it is an irony to say that being alone is better. Living in the world, this expression seems certainly absurd. Taking a look at Northup, he misses his family
89 and hopes to back to his family as soon as possible. Then, his statement makes his
contribution unreliable. Therefore, he flouts maxim of quality by irony in this exchange.
It can be seen that actually Northup tries to convince Celeste. He proposes his belief that freedom is better, even you are alone. Being together as a slave is
not a better option. Since he is angry with Celeste who wants to come back to her master, he uses that irony. In a friendly way, he opposes Celeste’s decision.
Loneliness is not better than togetherness, but it can change based on the condition.
Lastly, the last example is again the use of irony to flout maxim of quality. It is also from Northup’s talking with Celeste. Northup is still trying to convince
Celeste so she is willing to help Northup. 4: 24
Celeste : Itll only be worse ifn Celeste dont go back of her own
will. Northup :
You wont be caught. The dogs wont track you. You are...you are unique. Celeste....
Celeste : You got alternatives, Solomon.
Northup : To return is to die
Datum QL16IRCF Here, Northup flouts maxim of quality by saying something that is not true.
His statement saying that Celeste is unique is the part which is ironic. He says something that lacks evidence. It seems to be a positive expression, but then it is a
negative one. He tries to say that Celeste is a weirdo if she wants to come back to her master after she tries so hard to run away. In this exchange, Northup is angry
because Celeste refuses his request. Therefore, irony is used in his statement above.
90 Besides, by saying you are unique, Northup breaks the maxim which
requires him to say what he believes to be true. It is obvious that Northup is pushing Celeste to do what he asks. Therefore, saying that statement is quiet odd
to be considered as a reliable contribution in the exchange.
e. Metaphor
Using a metaphor is the last strategy used for flouting the maxims. In the movie, Northup has applied this strategy 5 times 6.76. The examples below
contain some metaphors as the strategy of maxim flouting. The first example is taken from a conversation between Northup and
Hamilton. It is when he is still a freeman. Hamilton meets Northup to offer some works.
4: 25 Hamilton : Consider it an opportunity to see the country—
Northup : Its
intriguing... Hamilton :
If there is any way in which you would give consideration to the offer...
Northup : The payment offered is enticement enough, as is my
desire to visit the metropolis.
Datum QL03MTCV In the exchange above, Northup has flouted maxim of quality. He compares
the payment offer with something that has similar characteristics. The word ‘as’ indicates the comparison uttered by Northup. Here, he compares it to his desire
and tries to say that the payment is interesting. As common metaphor, the metaphorical expression in this exchange can change the literal expression. My
desire to visit the metropolis affects the meaning interpreted from the payment offered. If the second sentence is not included in the interpretation, the payment
offered is just merely interesting for Northup. However, since the metaphor is
