IDEAS: Journal on English Language Teaching and Learning, Linguistics and Literature
Vol. 13 No. 2 (2025): IDEAS: Journal on English Language Teaching and Learning, Linguistics and Lite

Flouting the Cooperative Principle in BoJack Horseman A Reflection of the Main Character

Ni Made Yulia Sari (Unknown)
I Gusti Ayu Agung Sintha Satwika (Unknown)



Article Info

Publish Date
31 Dec 2025

Abstract

This study investigates how conversational maxims are flouted by the main character in Episode 1 of Season 1 of the adult animated series BoJack Horseman, and how such flouting contributes to character development and narrative function. Grounded in Grice’s Cooperative Principle, the analysis adopts qualitative content analysis supported by frequency counts to identify types and strategies of maxim flouting. The findings show that BoJack most frequently flouts the maxims of Relation and Quality through topic shifting, sarcasm, and hyperbole. These strategies function pragmatically to avoid accountability, express self-defense and denial, and generate humor while advancing the narrative. By linking maxim flouting to character psychology rather than merely describing occurrences, the study contributes to pragmatic analysis of characterization in adult animated series.

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Journal Info

Abbrev

ideas

Publisher

Subject

Languange, Linguistic, Communication & Media

Description

IDEAS Journal is published twice a year in the months of June and December (P-ISSN 2338-4778 and E-ISSN 2548-4192); it presents articles on English language teaching and learning, linguistics, and literature. The contents include analyses, studies and application of theories, research report, ...