Exploring Dysfunctional Communication in Seascape through Theory of Ironic Speech Acts

Abstract

This research investigates the complex phenomenon of ironic speech acts and their role in creating dysfunctional communication in Seascape by Edward Albee. By analyzing the intricate layers of linguistic facade, this study employs the theory of ironic speech acts to uncover meaning within fragmented and paradoxical dialogue. The findings reveal that the interplay between spoken words, their intended meanings, and the inherent contradictions generate a dynamic tension that permeates the characters' interactions. Furthermore, the study demonstrates how speech acts are utilized as tools of power, enabling characters to engage in verbal battles that underscore their conflicts. A detailed examination of the play highlights the significance of ironic utterances as conscious counterfactual expressions, which opens up multiple interpretations of a single reality. This multifaceted approach to analyzing irony in Albee's work provides deeper insights into the use of language as a mechanism for both connection and division among characters.