preface
part one preliminaries
chapter �� 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 �� 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 �� 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 �� 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 �� 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 �� silences as pragmatic acts in the communication from the playwright to the reader/audience
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 �� conclusion
7. 1 summary
7.2 contributions and implications
7.3 limitations and suggestions
bibliography
appendix
acknowledgements