Situation and transcript:

Marianne is lying in bed and again Gareth has not come home all night. When Gareth is still in the doorway Marianne stands over him at the top of the stairs. She is wearing all black and is rather dressed up

1. G: what

2. M: sorry

3. G: we're just (.50) i thought we were going to a party

4. M: i'm sorry (.) i just i (.50) felt i had to say it

5. G: but we're good (.) i mean (.50) this is good (.) everyone says we're good

6. together

7. M: i mean (.) that's not a reason (.50) and do they does everyone really go around

8. saying that

9. G: yeah

10. M: do people even care

11. G: i think people care that their friends are happy (.) yeah

12. M: look, i'm sorry (.) i just (.) i don't think this is working (.) it's not what i want

13. anymore=

14. G: =anymore=

15. M: =yeah

16. G: so you did want this at some point.

17. M: (2.0)

18. G: WOW (.50) you are literally like a completely different person right now

19. M: sorry ((Marianne walks out of the room)).

Notes: (.)- pause (.50/.20) etc.- duration of pause. Upward arrow- raised voice or pitch. = - almost overlap, but don't.

Q1) Use the facework formula to calculate the WFTA of this breakup talk (M has already given G the bad news). Note that G is a social climber and M does not need to be one as her family is well off.

Q2) Note how the WFTA can be predicted not only from the formula but because of the detail of the 'breakup talk' between M and G. (Marianne is breaking up with Gareth, who has to move out.)

Q3) Comment on Goffman's front and backstage as it applies to Gareth's reaction to Marianne's breakup talk.