Pauses

Definition

Pauses are intentional breaks in dialogue or action, used in performance to create tension, allow for reflection, or emphasize emotion. In the context of modern theatre, particularly in works like those of certain playwrights, pauses serve as a powerful tool to heighten the impact of silence and provoke thought in the audience. The strategic use of pauses can transform a scene, revealing character depth and underlying themes that words alone may fail to convey.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. In Pinter's works, pauses are often loaded with meaning, inviting the audience to interpret the unsaid aspects of character interactions.
2. Pauses can disrupt the flow of conversation, making characters' thoughts and emotions more palpable, allowing for deeper engagement with the text.
3. Pinter’s pauses can evoke feelings of unease, contributing to the 'comedy of menace' by highlighting characters’ fears and uncertainties.
4. Timing is crucial; the effectiveness of a pause relies on its placement within dialogue and the actors’ delivery leading up to it.
5. In addition to creating tension, pauses can serve comedic purposes by enhancing punchlines or absurdity in dialogues.

Review Questions

• How do pauses function in enhancing character development in modern plays?
  • Pauses play a critical role in enhancing character development by allowing actors to convey unspoken thoughts and emotions. In modern plays, particularly those influenced by playwrights like Pinter, these breaks can reveal inner conflicts and highlight character relationships. By incorporating well-timed pauses, actors create moments for reflection that add depth to their performances and foster a deeper connection with the audience.
• Discuss how pauses contribute to the overall mood and atmosphere of Pinter's works.
  • In Pinter's works, pauses significantly contribute to the overall mood and atmosphere by creating a sense of tension and discomfort. The deliberate use of silence often leaves audiences on edge, as they anticipate what might follow. This use of pauses reinforces the themes of uncertainty and menace prevalent in his plays, allowing spectators to sense underlying fears and anxieties among characters without explicit dialogue.
• Evaluate the impact of pauses on audience perception and interpretation in modern theatre.
  • Pauses have a profound impact on audience perception and interpretation in modern theatre by allowing viewers to engage actively with the unfolding narrative. When playwrights incorporate pauses effectively, they encourage audiences to reflect on what is left unsaid and consider subtextual meanings. This engagement transforms spectators from passive viewers into active interpreters, making them more aware of emotional nuances and thematic layers within the performance.

Related terms

Silence: The absence of sound or dialogue in a performance, often used to create a powerful emotional effect or to build tension.

Subtext:

The underlying meaning or theme in a dialogue that is not explicitly stated but implied through pauses and gestures.

Tension: The mental or emotional strain in a scene created by conflict, silence, and the anticipation of dialogue.