A Study of the Speech Styles of Bell and the Beast in the Movie <i>Beauty and the Beast</i> ―An Approach From the Politeness Theory

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  • 映画『美女と野獣』におけるベルと野獣の話体 ―ポライトネス理論からのアプローチ―
  • エイガ 『 ビジョ ト ヤジュウ 』 ニ オケル ベル ト ヤジュウ ノ ワタイ : ポライトネス リロン カラ ノ アプローチ

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The purpose of this study is to examine the process of how the main characters, Bell and the Beast, in the Disney's movie Beauty and the Beast (2017) reached out to each other, within the framework of the politeness theory proposed by Brown and Levinson (1987). Based on the politeness theory, data taken from the script of Beauty and the Beast was analyzed in terms of three types of politeness strategies, positive, negative and bald on record. The strategies are illustrated with the characters' speech throughout the story. Each character's thoughts and characterizations are explained through different politeness strategies. The major findings were as follows: (1) scenes bring shifts from bald on record to a negative politeness strategy, or from a negative politeness strategy to a positive politeness strategy; (2) speech acts containing mixed strategies; and (3) Bell's speech acts which elicit the Beast's politeness strategies, suggesting that she is an independent, mentally strong woman. Finally, subjunctive speech, considered as one of the most difficult areas of grammar for Japanese English learners, are discussed, indicating the possibility of effective grammar teaching through media. It is, therefore, essential that employing politeness strategies could enhance students' communication skills through pragmatics.

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