الفهرس 
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Abstract
This research is an attempt towards applying discourse analysis to the dramatic texts of Stoppard’s plays Artist Descending a Staircase and Travesties. The main purpose of this thesis is to demonstrate how dramatic analysis helps in interpreting the implied meanings which elude the literal meanings of the dramatic dialogue, consequently leading to fuller understanding and deeper appreciation of the play.
The technique of analysis suggested in this research focuses on the text as a communication within a set of linguistic conventions. Thus understanding the characters is based on their linguistic behaviour with each other. This study answers the following questions:
I. How far is the suggested technique of analysis successful in analysing dramatic dialogue?
2. How far is the analysis of dramatic texts beneficial in developing the relationships between the characters of the play?
3. Do the two plays share the same linguistic features?
4. How do charcters’ discourse vary according to: a) the discussed topics, b) the age and gender of the characters c) their social rank and d) their psychological status?
5. Is there a certain technique of analysis, which can be applied to all dramatic texts?
This research consists of an introduction, three chapters and a conclusion. The introduction outlines the aim of this thesis and provides information about Stoppard’s age, life and career. In addition, it discusses the salient features of his style.
The first chapter is theoretical, aiming at introducing the technical terms that are used in the analytical chapters. It provides several definitions for the term ’style’.. Moreover, it explains the terms; stylistics, pragmatics, discourse analysis and their relation to literature. This chapter offers a brief information about discourse analysis and the analysis of drama and also offers a variety of techniques that can be used fruitfully in the analysis of drama. It demonstrates the structure of the dramatic dialogue and the similarity between dramatic dialogue and real conversation. Some of major topics in discourse analysis which are covered:
1.- the origin of different kinds of speech acts.
·:,;,2-:;Schematic assumptions, presupposition and inference.
::S.;!The Grice co-operative principle in conversation.
4- Politeness Strategies.
5- Address forms.
6- Tum-taking and drama.
7- Pun.
Chapter two is reserved to the analysis of Artist Descending a Staircase; the most accomplished ofStoppard’s radio plays for the vitality of its dialogue. In this play Stoppard tackles many themes and focuses on the theme of art, which is elaborated in Travesties.
This chapter focuses on the importance of the interpretation of different types of speech acts and politeness strategies in understanding the play and appreciating it.
Chapter three is reserved for the analysis of Stoppard’s play Travesties. Although the play tackles the theme of art as Artist Descending a Staircase, a different technique is adopted in analyzing the text. Travesties comprises several plays within the same play. The text is divided into sections according to the grouping of sets of participant characters on the stage. Each section is marked with a shift in both topic and style.
The conclusion of this research emphasizes that style is simply the writer’s deliberate choice of certain words and structures, which vary according to the context of situation he deals with. Consequently the language is expected to vary from one situation to another. Then the analysis of the discourse of the two plays written by Stoppard Artist Descending a Staircase and Travesties, will lead to a-fuller understanding and to greater appreciation of the two plays.