Directive Speech Acts and Character Dynamics in The Addams Family (2019)

Abstract

This study aimed to identify, classify, and analyze the forms and pragmatic functions of directive speech acts in the animated film The Addams Family (2019. The method employed was a pragmatic analysis of the dialogue, focusing on classification and quantitative frequency counts. The findings confirmed the presence of all four directive categories (commands, requests, suggestions, and prohibitions), with Commands being the most dominant (42.86%) and Prohibitions second (28.57%). This distribution aligns with the film's thematic emphasis on assertive character traits and familial authority. The results underscore how directives act as critical instruments for narrative progression and reinforce character identity and relational power dynamics. The primary limitation is the study's exclusive focus on directive speech acts within a single animated film. Future research is recommended to broaden the scope by examining multiple film genres and utilizing mixed-methods for a nuanced understanding of directives.