Direct Type The Functions of Refusals in

a. Direct Type

1 Showing a Determination in Refusing In performing refusals, some characters in 12 Years a Slave try to show a determination to not comply with the request, offer, suggestion, or invitation . The characters mostly show their determination if they are in an urgent condition or if they want to strongly refuse the request, offer, suggestion, or invitation . An example of showing a determination is presented in Datum 29. Epps : Hey Bass offers Bass a drink. Bass : No, no, no… Datum 29 Samuel Bass was a worker who worked with Epps. When he worked, Epps offered him a bottle of liquor. However, Bass refused the offer directly. His refusal was realized by saying No, no, no….. In relation to this context, Bass performed a direct refusal since he wants to show his determination not to drink liquor when working. He might accept the offer if he does not work. Another example of showing a determination is shown in datum 2. The participants of the conversation were Burch and Eliza. One night, Burch came to Eliza‘s dungeon. He asked Eliza to go out from the dungeon. However, Eliza refused Burch‘s request. Burch : Come on. Get yer blanket. Get up. Eliza : No. Please dont... Datum 2 In reference to this context, Eliza refuses the request because she senses that she might be in danger if she complies with the request. Thus, she shows her determination not to comply with the request by saying No. 2 Showing Unwillingness to Comply with the Request, Offer, Suggestion, or Invitation Direct type can be functioned to show the unwillingness of the refuser to comply with the request, offer, suggestion, or invitation. The characters perform this function of refusals when the request, offer, suggestion, or invitation is against their will or when the request, offer, suggestion, or invitation gives them disadvantages . An example of this function of refusals is in the conversation between Tibeats and Solomon. Tibeats : Strip yer clothes. Strip. Solomon : I will not. Datum 11 Solomon made Tibeats angry because he said that he would blame Tibeats if there was something wrong in his work. Then, Tibeats asked Solomon to strip his clothes. However, Solomon refused the request. In relation to this context, Solomon is unwilling to perform the request because he thinks that Tibeats mistreats him. His unwillingness is indicated in the statement I will not. The conversation between Epps and his wife is another example of showing unwillingness. The conversation occurred in Epps‘ main house. Despite the lateness of the hour, the slaves were asked to dance. Then, a fierce argument between Epps and his wife occurred when Mrs. Epps asked Epps to sell Patsey. Mrs. Epps : No other. Sell her Epps : I will not Datum 16 Their argument was caused by Mrs. Epps‘ jealousy toward Patsey. During the dance, Epps only looked at Patsey. Epps could not take his eyes off of her. Then, Mrs. Epps snatched a bottle and throws it to Patsey‘s face. After that, she asked his husband to sell Patsey. However, Epps refused his wife request since Patsey is his favorite slave. In reference to this context, Epps‘ refusal is functioned to show his unwillingness to comply with his wife‘s request.

b. Indirect Type