and using banter are not used by the main character. In the first case, it is because when the main character expresses his idea, he prefers not to compare his idea
with something because not all people have background knowledge about metaphor. In the case of using banter, it is because the situation when the main
character has a conversation is serious most of the time and he feels uncomfortable to use this strategy.
3. The Context Bounded in the Conversations in which the Maxim Flouting Exist in Thank You for Smoking
In flouting the maxim, the main character is affected by the context because when he speaks to each other, he considers the situation and the
condition. Moreover, sometimes the main character has to deliver the message of his utterance indirectly. Thus, to interpret the implied meaning behind the main
character’s utterances, the hearers have to pay attention to the context.
a. The Context in the Maxim of Quantity Flouting
An example of context bounded in the maxim of quantity flouting is the following dialogue between BR and Nick.
BR : Pleasant flight?
Nick : Oh You could say that. Came up on the Captain’s plane. Oh, it’s quite the way to travel.
QTTM00:25:58 The above conversation takes place in BR’s office when Nick comes back
from a meeting with Captain in Winston-Salem using Captain’s private plane. The participants are BR and Nick. The scene shows that Nick enters BR’s office
while BR is writing in a paper. BR asks Nick about his flying experience. Nick has a great flight and to explain his pleasure he gives more information about it.
The conversation is a casual conversation, in a light-hearted tone. In this case, Nick flouts the maxim of quantity because he wants to explain his pleasure
because he has a great flying experience in Captain’s plane. Therefore, the norm of the conversation is that when the speaker asks, the hearer is expected to give an
answer as what is required. The second example can be seen in the following datum.
Reporter: Considering your condition, will you still be able to appear before Senator Finistirres subcommittee hearing on the usage of
poison labels on cigarette packaging?
Nick : Oh, I think now more than ever it is imperative that I be there. Nothing will keep me from testifying.
QTTM01:01:54 The above dialogue happens between the reporter and Nick. It takes place
in the Nick’s room when he is hospitalized after being kidnapped. The scene shows that Nick lie in bed, the reporter sits near his bed. She interviews Nick.
Due to Nick’s condition, the reporter asks Nick whether he still be able to come to subcommittee hearing or not. Since they have an interview and the topic is
serious, the conversation is a formal conversation. The participants use a serious tone. From the above conversation, it can be seen that Nick flouts the maxim of
quantity. Thus, the norm of the conversation is that when the speaker asks, the hearer is expected to answer as what is required. Meanwhile, the end of Nick’s
statement is to express his confidence.
b. The Context in the Maxim of Quality Flouting
