Preface
PART ONE PRELIMINARIES
Chapter Ⅰ Introduction
1.1 Research Motivations and Questions
1.2 The Problems of the Previous Researches on the
Silence in Pinter'' s Drama
1.3 The Relevant Solutions Proposed by the Current
Research
PART TWO FEATURES AND NORMS OF SILENCE
Chapter Ⅱ Silence in the Realm of Language
2. 1 Introduction
2.2 General Definitions of Silence
2.3 The Nonabsolute Nature of Silence
2.4 Silence as an Organic Linguistic Component
2.5 Why is "a Torrent of Language" Silence?
2.6 Conclusion
Chapter Ⅲ Taxonomies of Silences
3.1 Introduction
3.2 Taxonomies of Silences in General
3.3 A Typology of Silences in Pinter''s Drama
3.4 Conclusion
PART THREE PRAGMATIC FUNCTIONS OF SILENCES IN PINTER''S DRAMATIC DISCOURSE
Chapter Ⅳ Theoretical Framework and Methodology
4. 1 Introduction
4.2 Pragmatic Act Theory as the Theoretical Framework
4. 3 Interpretation Methods of Silence
4.4 Conclusion
Chapter Ⅴ Silences as Pragmatic Acts in the Interactions among Characters
5.1 Introduction
5.2 Silences as Cognitive Acts
5.3 Silences as Emotional Acts
5.4 Silences as Intentional Acts
5.5 Conclusion
Chapter Ⅵ Silences as Pragmatic Acts in the Communication from the Playwright to the ReaderAudience
6. 1 Introduction
6.2 The Model of Literary Communication in Pinter'' s Dramatic Discourse
6.3 Silences as Thematic Acts
6.4 Silences as Dramatic Acts
6.5 Silences as Poetic Acts
6.6 Conclusion
PART FOUR Finale
Chapter Ⅶ Conclusion
7. 1 Summary
7.2 Contributions and Implications
7.3 Limitations and Suggestions
Bibliography
Appendix
Acknowledgements