IMPLICATURE IN RABINDRANATH TAGORE’S “ THE CROWN ”

Abstract

This study aims to analyze the form and function of implicature in the drama The Crown by Rabindranath Tagore based on the theory of pragmatics developed by H.P. Grice. The data studied are the speech of the characters in the play that contains indirect or implied meaning. This research uses descriptive qualitative approach with pragmatic discourse analysis technique. The results show that there are two types of implicatures in this drama: conventional implicature and conversational implicature. Conventional implicature is found through the use of language elements such as “but”, “if...then...”, and “even” which structurally convey additional meaning. Meanwhile, conversational implicature is found through the violation of Grice's maxims of cooperation, namely the maxims of quantity, quality, relevance, and manner. Each violation produces an implied meaning that functions to convey innuendo, hide the truth, avoid direct conflict, and express criticism and manipulation non-frontally. In total, 14 conventional implicature data and 12 conversational implicature data were found, which were divided into: 4 data of quantity maxim violation, 4 data of quality maxim, 2 data of relevance maxim, and 2 data of manner maxim. The main functions of the implied meaning in the play include the delivery of veiled political criticism, character building, and the development of emotional tension and social conflict within the palace. Rajdhar is the most dominant character in using implicature for political communication strategies and power rhetoric. Keywords : Implicature, Pragmatics, Conventional, Conversational Maxim : Quantity, Quality, Relation, Manner, Drama.