Youtube homework

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q_cwRqXBR4Q

in this scene Gandalf and Bilbo are introduced to each other and Gandalf tries to convince Bilbo to join him on an adventure.

To start with, Gandalf already has instrumental power over Bilbo as he is of a higher status than him. Straight away, Gandalf bends Grice's rules of the maxim of manner and relation,for example, instead of replying 'good morning' which normally you would do, he over complicates his reply and doesn't go along with your typical 'back and forth' conversation. However Bilbo uses declaratives such as "We don't want any adventures here, thank you! You might try over The Hill or across The Water.

Also Gandalf's reply to Bilbo's comment could be seen as a face threatening act as he makes it difficult for Bilbo to respond in a way you would do in a normal conversation, as well as this he seems to avoid answering questions directly,such as saying "that remains to be seen" in reply to Bilbo's "can i help you?"

The fact that Bilbo also repeats the first thing he says to Gandalf shows us the fact that hes uncomfortable and wants the conversation to end. Bilbo's use of modal verbs such as "might"shows us he his trying to gain power over the conversation but because he is uncomfortable with the topic he doesn't succeed.

Finally,the power shifts for the last time when Bilbo says "i had no idea you were still in business",which is obviously a face threatening act and therefore gives him power.


(i wasn't sure if this was actually correct so i did another one just in case)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aB_s9lw9E-M

To start with snape already has instrumental power and his use of modal verbs like "shall" and "now" show how powerful his character is and the power in which he has over the students. He also uses declarative's such as "step forward now".he also uses Goffmans face threatening theory and he tells them that they will be punished if they help harry potter, the fact that he has power to do that shows us that Snape has asymmetrical power over the students, because of his role and that he is using Upwards divergence. When Harry appears out of the crowd of students straight away he threatens snapes face and he says " it seems despite your exhausted defensive strategy's, you still have a bit of a security problem headmaster".
 He also says things like " how dare you stand where he stood" which obviously is going to make snape look small and Harry is also using Upwards divergence to have more power over him,despite his instrumental power. Harry uses other declarative's like "tell them how it happened" ''tell them how you looked him in the eyes,a man who trusted you and killed him", as it is a command Harry gains power and it is also bends the maxims as well as being face threatening. As Harry is a pupil and Snape is a teacher this is a unusual situation and can also proves Goffman's theory as although snape has instrumental power Harry still has power over him.