SUSPENSION OF DISBELIEF Meaning and
Definition
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Suspension of disbelief refers to the voluntary willingness or ability of a person to accept or set aside their disbelief or skepticism in order to fully engage with and enjoy a work of fiction or an artistic presentation. It is a concept commonly used in literature, film, theater, and other forms of storytelling to create a plausible and immersive experience for the audience or reader.
When engaging in suspension of disbelief, individuals consciously choose to temporarily accept or ignore the logical inconsistencies, implausible scenarios, or fantastical elements that may exist within a fictional world. This allows them to fully immerse themselves in the story and temporarily forget the boundaries of reality. For example, while watching a movie with supernatural creatures or a novel set in a fictional universe, individuals intentionally set aside their knowledge that such elements do not exist in the real world.
This concept was first discussed by poet and philosopher Samuel Taylor Coleridge in the 19th century. He argued that an audience's enjoyment of a work of art depends on their ability to suspend their disbelief. By engaging in this suspension, individuals are better able to embrace the emotions, themes, and messages conveyed by the work.
Suspension of disbelief is an essential aspect of fictional storytelling as it creates a space where impossible or unrealistic events become plausible and evokes an emotional response from the audience. It allows individuals to temporarily escape from reality and experience a world created by the artist or author, enriching their overall entertainment or literary experience.
