Maxim of Approbation in Pride and Prejudice: A Pragmatic Study of Praise Strategies

Nikmatul Ridha; Gita Indriani Putri; Anisa Fazrun Bobihu; Anggun Nurjannah

doi:10.64616/joalle.v1i2.37

Authors

Nikmatul Ridha Universitas Negeri Gorontalo Author
Gita Indriani Putri Universitas Negeri Gorontalo Author
Anisa Fazrun Bobihu Universitas Negeri Gorontalo Author
Anggun Nurjannah Universitas Negeri Gorontalo Author

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.64616/joalle.v1i2.37

Keywords:

Politeness, Approbation, Pragmatics, Jane Austen, Praise Strategies

Abstract

This study investigates the use of the Approbation Maxim in Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice through a pragmatic lens, focusing on how compliments function within character interactions. Drawing on Leech’s (1983) Politeness Principle, particularly the maxim of Approbation, the research explores praise as a linguistic strategy for managing face, expressing transformation, and navigating social hierarchies. Using a qualitative descriptive method and discourse analysis, 27 utterances were identified and categorized by topic—appearance, ability, and personality. The findings reveal that praise in the novel is shaped by gender roles, social class, and interpersonal motives, functioning not merely as politeness but also as a tool for emotional and relational negotiation. Characters such as Mr. Darcy and Elizabeth Bennet exhibit varying degrees of sincerity and strategic politeness, reflecting broader cultural values embedded in 19th-century English society. The study affirms the relevance of pragmatic theory in literary analysis and offers insights for further interdisciplinary exploration.

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