Topic 12 - Meaning between the lines (Session B) > Politeness and characterisation

Politeness and characterisation

On previous pages in this topic we have begun to understand politeness theory. On this page we are going to examine a short extract from P. G. Wodehouse's Come On Jeeves, and explore how our understanding of the two characters, and their relationship, is manifested in terms of how they use politeness strategies.

It will be helpful to remember that there are two different kinds of politeness:

Positive politeness: We feel the need to be praised by others and so it is polite (a) to praise others (e.g. ‘You’re very clever’) and conversely (b) to dispraise oneself (e.g. ‘No, I’m a bit thick really’).

Negative politeness: We also like to go about our business in the world unimpeded. It is polite (a) to ease the path of others and so (b) make life more difficult for ourselves in easing the path of others.

Note that you can be badly behaved by doing the opposite of what the politeness principles suggest (e.g. praising yourself or making others go out of their way to ease your own path). Try it with your friends, and see the reactions you get!

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