1.

Analyzing the movie "The Miracle Worker" from a pragmatics approach involves examining how
language is used in context, focusing on the communicative intentions, implicatures, and speech acts of
the characters. Pragmatics explores how meaning is conveyed beyond the literal interpretation of words,
considering factors such as context, speaker intentions, and audience understanding. Here's an analysis
of "The Miracle Worker" using a pragmatics approach:
a. Speech Acts:
- Helen Keller's use of physical actions (throwing tantrums, knocking objects) can be seen as speech
acts aimed at expressing frustration and exerting control over her environment.
- Annie Sullivan's verbal commands and requests function as speech acts to direct Helen's behavior
and facilitate learning.
b. Pragmatic Implicatures:
- Nonverbal communication, such as gestures, facial expressions, and body language, conveys
implicatures that supplement and enhance the explicit meaning of the words spoken.
- Sarcasm, irony, and indirect speech may be employed to convey messages indirectly and create
dramatic tension in the movie.
c. Context and Speaker Intention:
- The movie's context, set in the late 19th century, influences the language use, social norms, and
expectations of communication.
- Characters' intentions play a crucial role in understanding their utterances. For example, Annie
Sullivan's intention to empower Helen and teach her language is reflected in her persistent efforts to
engage with her.
d. Politeness Strategies:
- Politeness strategies, like using formal language, politeness markers (please, thank you), and
showing deference, can be observed in the characters' speech as they navigate social interactions and
establish rapport.
- Conflicts and confrontations may involve face-threatening acts where politeness norms are
temporarily set aside.
By applying a pragmatics approach, we gain insights into the nuanced use of language in "The
Miracle Worker." Analyzing speech acts, pragmatic implicatures, context, and speaker intentions
provides a deeper understanding of the characters' communication dynamics, their motivations, and
the overall development of the story
2. Illocutionary act
a. The dialogue beetwen Annie and Arthur in the front of keller’s House
Annie : I’ll take my suitcase, thanks.
Arthur : I have it, Miss Sullivan
Annie : No., Please let me
Arthur : I wouldn’t think of it
Annie : I have something in it for Helen, I needn’t to be treated like a guess.
Based on the context, certainly the utterance contains the illocutionary acts of directive, one asking.
b. This dialogue teels about Annie who asked Hellen to open the door or to let her out from the room
Annie : Helen !
Annie : let me out !, you wicked girl. Helen ! ohh!
Hellen : Unh..
In this case Annie says directive type of illocunary act indirectly
c. Annie : Mrs. Keller, you asked if there was anything I needed
Kate : yes , but I...
Annie : I need to be alone with Helen
in this case Annie asked to Kate what she needed
d. Percy : H-Helen ? Helen ! Stop !
Percy : Helen !
Based on the text , Certainly the utterance contains the illocunary act of directivve is commanding
e. Kate : Helen? Helen. Stop it Helen ! , Stop it. Stop it. Ok, Ok. Give mother the scissors. Helen,
give mother the scissors. Ok. Ok. There now. Ok
Based on the text , Certainly the utterance contains the illocunary act of directivve is commanding
f. James : Now you have to take care of, Father.
Arthur : You stay out of this
Based on the text , Certainly the utterance contains the illocunary act of directivve is commanding
g. Annie : For god’s sake. No. sir,there’s No key sir.
Arthur : Put that ladder away, Jimmy.
Based on the text , Certainly the utterance contains the illocunary act of directivve is commanding
h. Annie : for this kind of behavior ? pity’s the one thing she doesn’t need. Two whole house waits on
her and foot.
James : hear, hear
Arthur : you stay out of this
Based on the text , Certainly the utterance contains the illocunary act of directivve is commanding