Speech Acts of Supplication in the Iliad
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.3989/emerita.2022.01.2130Keywords:
Pragmatics, Homer, Iliad, directive speech acts, supplicationAbstract
This paper, based on a pragmatic approach, focuses on the verbal component of supplications in the Iliad. The analysis of the data allows us to observe that supplications, whether or not part of a ritual, show the same specialized lexicon, the same structure and the same linguistic strategies. In both types of supplications, the speaker’s urgency is the factor that determines not only the extension, but also the complexity of the head speech act. However, no matter the circumstances, almost every head act is formulated directly and from the addressee's perspective; besides, it shows intensification strategies. On the other hand, adjuncts to the head act are used by the speaker as a skill to intensify the illocutionary force of the head act and, at the same time, to create a climate of confidence and collaboration. In the Iliad, supplications are, therefore, directive speech acts that scarcely take into account the possible intimidation of the addressee. They give more weight to the protection of the speaker’s interests and, additionally, to the creation of a climate of collaboration.
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Ministerio de Ciencia, Innovación y Universidades
Grant numbers PGC2018-093779-BI00
Comunidad de Madrid
Grant numbers SI3-PJI-2021-00208
