An Analysis of Flouting of Maxims of Quality in the “Uptown Girls” Movie Used by the Main Character
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.36733/elysian.v5i3.12344Keywords:
flouting maxim, maxim of quality, Uptown GirlsAbstract
The study, entitled "Flouting Maxim of Quality in the Film Uptown Girls (2003)," aims to
identify and analyze the types of flouting of the maxim of quality and the reasons why the
main character, Molly Gunn, flouts this maxim throughout the film. The data for this research
were collected from the film Uptown Girls (2003), focusing on utterances by Molly Gunn that
contain instances of sarcasm, hyperbole, deliberate lies, and unsupported statements. This
study applied observation and transcription methods, analyzed using a descriptive qualitative
approach. The analysis was supported by Grice’s (1975) theory of the Cooperative Principle,
specifically the maxim of quality, to categorize the types of flouting. Furthermore, the reasons
behind Molly’s flouting were interpreted based on pragmatic functions such as emotional
expression, self-defense, and social interaction. This study collected 50 instances of flouting
the maxim of quality, including 14 cases of deliberate lies, 13 hyperboles, 12 sarcasms, and
11 unsupported statements. The analysis reveals that Molly Gunn’s floutings are not accidental
but serve as deliberate communicative strategies to reflect her emotional vulnerability, identity
assertion, and relational dynamics. Based on the results, it can be concluded that deliberate lie
is the most frequently used flouting type, and the pragmatic motivation behind these utterances
is primarily to preserve self-image and engage the audience through implied meaning.
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