Keywords: THESIS3

Next: Characterization through language Up: Verbal communication Previous: The super-imposition of epic Contents

# The super-imposition of references to the situation on figure reference

Although the character is characterized by verbal utterances there is an other factor restricting the correspondence between speech and figure and thus the possibility of inferring of a dramatic figure's from its utterances is a result of the the being determined not by disposition alone but also by the situation in which it finds itself at any given moment. Thus, the utterances need not be homogeneous and may vary stylistically according to the particular dramatic situation and the intention behind a particular utterance.

We have seen an example of this in the Judge's song, where he shows himself to be both a well-educated, well-spoken man, and consumed by lust. The people around perceive him a well-educated magistrate, while in his inner sanctum, when he thinks no-one can hear him, his speeches become more direct, more natural.

Even Todd himself adopts different ways of addressing to the situation with which he is faced. An excellent example is the Epiphany and the manner in which he addresses the Judge. Circumstantial linguistic alteration of style is also a form of characterization.

Next: Characterization through language Up: Verbal communication Previous: The super-imposition of epic Contents