Abstract

This study employs politeness theory as a lens to analyze the intricate dynamics of interpersonal interactions depicted in Aristophanes’ Lysistrata and Terence’s Adelphoe. It offers fresh insights into the communicative strategies employed by characters within these narratives.

I based my analyses of politeness on the models of Watts, on the one hand, and Brown and Levinson, on the other in Chapter 1. I used this combination of models during a close reading of both plays. The analysis of Lysistrata revealed how impoliteness between close Ancient Greek female friends is harmless banter, and also showed that impoliteness and politeness are necessary to maintain strong bonds in friendship in Chapter 2 and 3. The analysis of Adelphoe conceptualized impoliteness in a relationship between Roman brothers. A familial Roman male relationship proved to provide fewer softeners in its banter than the Greek female friendships. The analysis of Adelphoe also explored examples of politeness used as a tool for manipulation between Roman brothers through Chapter 3 and 4. Conclusions made from these analyses contribute to a better understanding of how politeness functioned in the ancient world and allow translators, scholars, and play directors for modern adaptations to have more insight to humorous forms of politeness in these plays.

Advisor

Foster, Edith

Department

Classical Studies

Disciplines

Classical Literature and Philology

Keywords

Politeness Theory, Aristophanes, Lysistrata, Terence, Adelphoe, sociolinguistics, pragmatics, friendly banter, Greek, Latin, Old Comedy, Roman Comedy, impoliteness, politeness

Publication Date

2024

Degree Granted

Bachelor of Arts

Document Type

Senior Independent Study Thesis

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© Copyright 2024 Katherine Shambaugh