L’EXPRESSION DE L’EXTRÊME. FORMES ET FONCTIONS DE L’INTENSITÉ DANS MANON LESCAUT

Based on the extraordinary profusion of marks of intensity in L’histoire de Manon Lescaut et du chevalier des Grieux, we will  analyse the different communicative functions of intensification in Prevost’s novel based on its inscription in a specific discursive context, so as to end the relationship between such linguistic operation and several, more specific narrative strategies. Thus,  it will be examined the relationship with the register of the pathetic that crosses the XVIII century literary genres, as well as the semantic-pragmatic values of the intensive consecutive construction and the effects of “genericity” noted by Adam (2011) in relation to other discursive genres. To conclude,  it will be analysed the intensification strategies in the novel, destined to capture the interest of the reader and to generate humorous situations.