Unmasking Speech Acts in Shakespeare: An In-depth Analysis of Gratitude in Romeo and Juliet and All’s Well that Ends Well

Abstract

This study delves into the intricacies of speech acts in Shakespearean literature, focusing specifically on expressions of gratitude in two of his renowned plays, "Romeo and Juliet" and "All’s Well that Ends Well." Employing a pragmatic linguistic approach, the research unravels the layers of meaning embedded in instances of gratitude, shedding light on the social and contextual nuances within which these speech acts unfold. Through an in-depth analysis, this study contributes to a nuanced understanding of how gratitude functions as a communicative phenomenon in Shakespearean drama.