2026 IJRSE – Volume 15 Issue 2
Available Online: 14 February 2026
Author/s:
Abella, Christian
Ilocos Sur Polytechnic State College, Philippines (abella.christian110494@gmail.com)
Abstract:
The study explored the role of illocutionary acts in O. Henry’s short stories The Gift of the Magi and The Last Leaf, with a focus on how characters’ utterances reveal characterization. Using Searle’s (1975) typology of speech acts as framework, the analysis identifies the presence of representatives, directives, expressives, and commissives in the dialogues of key characters. Findings reveal that representative acts establish perspectives and beliefs, such as Johnsy’s repeated assertions of death linked to the falling leaves, while directives highlight attempts to influence behavior, as seen in Della’s negotiations and Sue’s appeals to Johnsy. Expressive acts convey emotional depth, exemplified in Della’s joy and despair, and Johnsy’s fear of death, while commissives, though subtle, underscore implicit commitments, such as Behrman’s sacrifice through painting the last leaf. The study concludes that discourse analysis, when applied as a literary-stylistic lens, uncovers how characterization is linguistically constructed rather than merely described. The implication is that language in dialogue functions not only as a medium of communication but also as a stylistic device that enriches character depth, motivations, and relationships, offering a critical approach to literary analysis.
Keywords: llocutionary acts, Speech Act Theory, characterization, discourse analysis, literary stylistics
DOI: https://doi.org/10.5861/ijrse.2026.26006
Cite this article:
Abella, C. (2026). Illocutionary acts as windows to character: A literary-stylistic reading of O. Henry’s short stories. International Journal of Research Studies in Education, 15(2), 195-201. https://doi.org/10.5861/ijrse.2026.26006