2. Application 2.1. Application of theory of Politeness on “An Inspector Calls” by J. B. Priestley (1945) In An Inspector Calls, the strategy of questions and hedges is applied by using both the questions and hedges. “MRS B. (affecting great surprise) What's the matter, Sheila?”(p.30) “SHEILA No, but you haven't finished asking questions — have you?”(p.28) “SHEILA Yes, but don't you see? He hasn't started on you yet.”(p.32) “MRS B. I'm glad to hear it. Though I must add that it seems to me that we have more reason for taking offence.”(p.31) 1.“MRS B. (rebuking them) I’m talking to the Inspector now, if you don't 2.mind. (To INSPECTOR, rather 3.grandly) I realize that you may have to conduct some sort of inquiry, but I 4.must say that so far you …show more content…
You 6.know of course that my 7.husband was Lord Mayor only two years ago and that he's still a 8.magistrate”(p.31)” Line 5 “MRS B. Eric? Oh — I'm afraid he may have had rather too much to drink tonight. We were having a little celebration here —“(p.32) Both Mrs.Birling and Shiela use hedges such as “may”, “seems” and “could be” and questions to express a degree of indecision and try to reserve the negative face of the one they converse with. The following are some examples of minimizing the imposition: “MRS B. Eric? Oh — I'm afraid he may have had rather too much to drink tonight. We were having a little celebration here —“(p.32) “MRS B. (smiling) Very well, then. Just a little, thank you. (To EDNA, who is about to go, with tray.) All right, Edna, I'll ring from the drawing-room when we want coffee. Probably in about half an hour.” (p.6) 1“SHEILA I don't dislike you as I did half an hour ago Gerald. In fact, in some 2 odd way, I rather respect you more than I've ever done before. I knew anyhow 3you were lying about those months last year when you hardly came near me. I 4knew there was something fishy about that time. And now at least