An Analysis on Speech Acts in Guy de Maupassant’s Short Story “The Necklace"
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Date
2026-01-06
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Program Studi Pendidikan Bahasa Inggris Fakultas Pendidikan Keguruan dan Ilmu Pendidikan Universitas Muhammadiyah Purworejo
Abstract
This study aims to identify and briefly explain the types of speech
acts found in the utterances of Guy de Maupassant’s short story
“The Necklace.” Using Yule’s speech act theory, 51 utterances
were analyzed and classified into representative (22), directive
(25), expressive (8), commissive (2), and no declarative speech
acts. The classification was based on primary acts supported by
secondary or complementary acts reflected in the narration. The
findings show that directive and representative speech acts
dominate the story, functioning to advance the plot and reveal
characters’ experiences and beliefs. Expressive and commissive
speech acts occur less frequently because emotions and
commitments are mostly conveyed through narrative description
rather than dialogue. The results may serve as useful material for
EFL instruction, particularly in enhancing reading skills.