Violation of relation maxim
sleeping. Michael avoided giving a brief explanation to make his action not be considered as a cruel action to an animal. He was afraid if Nancy would see
him as an animal hater. In fact, he was just afraid of rodents. In this case, Michael violated the maxim of manner by not being brief in replying to
Nancy’s question. Datum PPC014 gives another explanation about the violation of the
manner maxim. 4:43 Alan Cowan
: Is that a good living?
Michael Longstreet : You know, its not like we had any banner
years or anything.
It was tough starting out. But long as Im out there every morning, with
my catalog and my sample case, its a living. Although the cast iron roasting pans do pick up
around the holidays
PPC014 Alan and Michael were talking about their professions. Michael said
that he sold some house and kitchen equipments. In respond to Mi chael’s
statement, Alan asked Michael whether his job was a good one or not. Then, Michael did
not answer Alan’s question by saying yes or not. Michael chose to tell him more about his profession. Therefore, he violated the maxim of
manner. He did not give a brief and clear answer as his respond to Alan’s
question. Another example can be seen in the below section.
4:44 Nancy Cowan : Alan, do something
Penelope Longstreet : “Alan, do something”
Nancy Cowan :
She broke my make-up mirror And my perfume Why dont you stand up for me?
Alan Cowan : Let’s go.
PPC069
Penelope was angry to Nancy. Sh e grabbed Nancy’s handbag and threw
it against the door. Therefore, all contents of the bag spilled out. Nancy wanted her husband, Alan, to stand up for her. In order to keep his positive face, she
made the activity seemed reasonable to him. She gave him the reason why he should stand up for her. She said that Penelope broke her make-up mirror and
perfume. Thus, Alan could see what she expected from him. She employed the strategy of giving or asking for reason.
However, she violated the maxim of manner. The question “Why don’t
you stand up for me?” did not really mean that she asked her husband to explain about his reason why he did not stand up for her. In fact, it was a
suggestion for her husband to help her out.
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