Storyteller's Responsibility
In the 19th century, suspension of disbelief was viewed purely as the responsibility of the storyteller. Techniques such as narrative threads help to make the most outlandish story somewhat believable.Even when a story isn't at all believable, a storyteller may achieve suspension of disbelief. An audience is more willing to buy into a wild story if they are highly entertained. As such, extremely unrealistic stories can fly if they are thrilling, funny, suspenseful or dramatic.Audience's Responsibility
In the post WWII years, suspension of disbelieve has come to imply a responsibility of audiences and readers to give a story a chance. This may have occurred in response to critics who pick at every technical flaw or far fetched idea in fiction and film. Fiction is meant to stretch beyond reality and pointing out that something isn't realistic isn't exactly insightful.Overview: Suspension Of Disbelief | ||
Type | ||
Definition | An audience or readers ability to see beyond the improbability of a story in order to enjoy it. | |
Related Concepts |