A Study on the Pragmatic Functions of Silence in Chekhov’s Dramatic Dialogues

Abstract

Anton Chekhov, a pivotal Russian playwright, masterfully employs silence in his dramas, imbuing it with multifaceted pragmatic functions. This study examines silence's role in emotional expression, social dynamics, and plot progression through textual analysis of Three Sisters, The Seagull, and The Cherry Orchard. Findings reveal that silence is not merely the absence of speech but a crucial tool for emotional and social communication. By contrasting and complementing dialogue, it intensifies characters' psychological depth, unveils complex relationships, and drives dramatic conflict. The paper further explores silence's uniqueness as a dramatic device and its impact on theatrical form and characterization, off ering new insights into Chekhov's narrative innovation.