INFERRED NARRATIVES: INTERPRETING CONVERSATIONAL IMPLICATURES WITHIN LESSING'S TALE

Abstract

This research delves into the intricate dynamics of conversation, recognizing its pivotal role in conveying explicit information while concurrently exploring the nuanced implicit meanings embedded within dialogues. Grounded in Paul Grice's Theory of Conversational Implicatures, this study applies a pragmatic lens to analyze character dialogues in Doris Lessing's short story, "A Woman on a Roof." By scrutinizing instances where communicative norms are breached, the research aims to unravel the implicit information conveyed through these breaches and how they contribute to shaping both the characters and the narrative. Through a comprehensive examination of Lessing's literary choices in utilizing conversational implicatures, this study offers insights into the author's broader objectives in crafting a narrative that transcends the explicit and delves into the intricate subtleties of human interaction