Language as Confinement and Liberation: Perlocutionary Speech Acts in Sartre’s Huis Clos Amid Modern Existential Crises

Grace Shirley Luntungan; Mister Gidion Maru; Jeihn Novita Christanty Budiman; Subhan   Rahmat; Fergina Lengkoan; Devilito Prasetyo   Tatipang

doi:10.31849/2ew80p08

Authors

Grace Shirley Luntungan Universitas Negeri Manado, Tondano Indonesia
Mister Gidion Maru Universitas Negeri Manado, Tondano Indonesia.
Jeihn Novita Christanty Budiman Politeknik Pelayaran Sulawesi Utara, Minahasa Selatan, Indonesia.
Subhan Rahmat Politeknik Pelayaran Barombong, Makassar, Indonesia
Fergina Lengkoan Universitas Negeri Manado, Tondano, Indonesia.
Devilito Prasetyo Tatipang Universitas Negeri Makassar, Makassar, Indonesia.

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.31849/2ew80p08

Keywords:

Perlocutionary speech acts , Speech act theory, Pragmatics, Discourse analysis, Language and power, Identity construction

Abstract

Language does not merely convey meaning; it actively shapes psychological realities, relational dynamics, and existential conditions. This study investigates how perlocutionary speech acts function as a mechanism of confinement and liberation in Jean-Paul Sartre’s Huis Clos, addressing a critical gap in existing scholarship that has largely prioritized illocutionary structures over the cumulative effects of language in literary discourse. Adopting a qualitative discourse analysis grounded in Austin’s (1962) and Searle’s (1979) speech act theory, this research examines selected dialogues from the original French text, focusing on how utterances generate psychological, relational, and existential impacts on interlocutors. The findings reveal that perlocutionary acts operate as a recursive system that produces sustained emotional states such as shame, anxiety, and dependency, while simultaneously structuring power relations and identity construction. Rather than functioning as isolated communicative events, these acts accumulate across interaction, creating cyclical patterns of provocation and response that intensify conflict and prevent resolution. Moreover, language emerges as a paradoxical force that both entraps individuals within continuous judgment and enables heightened self-awareness through the presence of the Other. This study offers originality by integrating pragmatic analysis with existential philosophy, demonstrating that perlocutionary effects extend beyond communication to shape ontological experience. Its contribution lies in advancing speech act theory within literary studies and providing interdisciplinary insights relevant to pragmatics, discourse analysis, and philosophy. The findings further suggest broader implications for understanding how language operates as a powerful social and psychological force in human interaction across contexts.

Author Biographies

Grace Shirley Luntungan, Universitas Negeri Manado, Tondano Indonesia

Grace Shirley Luntungan is a senior lecturer in the French Education Study Program at the Faculty of Languages and Arts, Universitas Negeri Manado, where she currently serves as Dean. She has extensive experience in language education and academic leadership, with research interests encompassing foreign language instruction, curriculum development, and educational policy. In her scholarly work, she contributes to constructing research methodology, writing academic articles, and conducting data collection and analysis, reflecting her strong commitment to advancing academic excellence, cross-cultural education, and interdisciplinary collaboration.
Mister Gidion Maru, Universitas Negeri Manado, Tondano Indonesia.

Prof. Gidion Maru is a Professor in the Department of English Language Education at Universitas Negeri Manado (UNIMA), Indonesia. He earned his Sarjana Sastra in English Literature from Universitas Gadjah Mada in 1998 and completed both his Master of Humanities (2006) and Doctorate (2013) in Literature at the same institution, graduating cum laude in both degrees. He was also a Fulbright research scholar at Bowling Green State University, Ohio, USA, in 2010. With extensive experience in academic research and publication, his works have appeared in Scopus-, Web of Science-, and Sinta-indexed journals. He has been actively involved in competitive research grants funded by DRPTM Kemendikbudristek since 2013 and has served as an editor and reviewer for various reputable international and national journals. Certified as a research reviewer since 2019, his scholarly interests include literary criticism, cultural studies, academic writing, text analysis, and character-building essays. In academic collaborations, he contributes to proposal writing, data analysis, and field research activities.
Jeihn Novita Christanty Budiman, Politeknik Pelayaran Sulawesi Utara, Minahasa Selatan, Indonesia.

Jeihn Novita Christanty Budiman is a senior lecturer at Politeknik Pelayaran Sulawesi Utara, Indonesia, where she also serves as Vice Director II, playing a strategic role in strengthening institutional governance and advancing academic quality. Her expertise lies in Maritime English and pedagogical innovation tailored to the needs of maritime cadets. Her scholarly work focuses on enhancing language proficiency, communicative competence, and adaptive learning strategies within specialized maritime contexts. Through her active engagement in research and academic publication, she consistently contributes to the development of high-quality maritime education and the professional readiness of future seafarers in Indonesia.
Subhan Rahmat, Politeknik Pelayaran Barombong, Makassar, Indonesia

Subhan Rahmat is a PhD candidate in English Education with a strong academic focus on English Language Teaching (ELT), materials development, and technology-integrated pedagogy. Affiliated with Politeknik Pelayaran Barombong, Makassar, Indonesia, he is actively involved in content development and teaches Maritime English to cadets, applying innovative and technology-enhanced instructional strategies. His research emphasizes the integration of the TPACK framework and deep learning approaches in designing effective learning materials, particularly within higher education and maritime contexts. In addition to his academic work, he engages in community-based educational initiatives, including the establishment of English learning communities in his region. Through his research and practice, he aspires to advance ELT by promoting meaningful, research-driven material development and the effective use of technology in education.
Devilito Prasetyo Tatipang, Universitas Negeri Makassar, Makassar, Indonesia.

Devilito Prasetyo Tatipang is a PhD candidate in English Education at Universitas Negeri Makassar, Indonesia, with a strong academic profile in research, teaching, and scholarly publication in the field of English Language Teaching. His research interests include translanguaging in ELT, plurilingual education, language pedagogy, and the integration of artificial intelligence in language learning and literary studies. He is actively involved as a reviewer and editor for several reputable academic journals, contributing to the maintenance of scholarly quality and rigor. His work reflects a sustained commitment to advancing innovative, technology-driven, and evidence-based pedagogical practices within both national and international ELT contexts.

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