Negation as a Pragmatic Tool for Suspense

This article delves into the nuanced interplay between suspense and negation within narrative frameworks, employing a comprehensive analysis of literary theories and exemplar texts. It has been established that suspense, a pivotal narrative mechanism, is intricately woven with forms of negation to enhance reader anticipation and emotional involvement. The exploration encompasses a detailed examination of academic perspectives alongside practical examples to delineate the combined eff ects of suspense and negation in engrossing readers. The exploration includes a close linguistic and pragmatic analysis of three British psychological thrillers – “B ehind Closed Doors” by B.A. Paris, “The Girl on the Train” by Paula Hawkins, and “Before I Go to Sleep” by S.J. Watson – to show how negation operates in real narrative environments. Notably, the investigation uncovers that negation – whether metalinguistic, implicit, or pragmatic withholding—signifi cantly amplifi es the suspense element, maintaining high engagement, particularly within thriller genres. The fi ndings assess these narrative strategies’ cognitive and emotional resonances, underscoring their critical role in modern storytelling. The research off ers enriched insights into their operational mechanisms by characterising the interdependencies of suspense and negation, contributing profoundly to narratology and literary analysis. Key words: suspense, negation, suspenseful negation, types of negation, storytelling strategies, literary linguistics

Interdependence · Narrative · Narratology · Negation · Storytelling · Watson · Contemporary Literature and Criticism · Narrative Theory and Analysis · Short Stories in Global Literature