Suspension of Disbelief

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Here is a subject that’s actually a fun concept to think about. Suspension of disbelief refers to a reader’s willingness to believe in a fictional world; despite elements that are implausible, fantastical, or contradictory to real-life experiences or knowledge. Readers consciously set aside their skepticism and temporarily suspend their critical faculties to immerse themselves in a story. They willingly enter a state of suspended disbelief, where they accept the fictional premises, events, and characters as if they were real or plausible within the context of the narrative.

You might view this is an incredibly lame notion, but suspension of disbelief is crucial for the success of many literary genres; fantasy, science fiction, and magical realism. These stories often include supernatural or extraordinary elements. It allows readers to emotionally engage with the narrative, empathize with the characters, and experience a sense of wonder or escapism.

But escapism goes far beyond your reading pleasure. When I refer to a reader above, I’m talking about more than the perennial internet user throwing out their ability to critically think while engaged in browsing. All forms of fictional media currently depend on suspension of disbelief; movies, plays, TV shows, video games, some radio, many podcasts, most social media, and of course, all fictional genres of books except nonfiction (although some nonfiction readers do find it hard to believe in science and math).

However, it is important to stress that suspension of disbelief does not mean readers completely abandon their critical thinking. While they temporarily accept the fictional world, they still analyze and interpret the text, question its themes, or evaluate its internal logic. The concept simply acknowledges that readers willingly embrace the imaginative aspects of literature (movies, plays, TV, etc.), despite their awareness of its fictional nature.

The poet and philosopher Samuel Taylor Coleridge introduced the concept in the early 19th century. He argued readers should be willing to temporarily suspend their disbelief in order to fully appreciate and enjoy imaginative works, such as poetry or fictional narratives. And the rest is history, as they say. This concept became the “norm” long ago.

Suspension of disbelief does not have a bad connotation. On the contrary, it is a fundamental approach in literature and storytelling. It is a positive aspect that allows readers to engage with fictional works and fully enjoy the imaginative experiences they offer.

In essence, suspension of disbelief is a testament to the power of storytelling and the ability of readers and audiences to engage with and appreciate imaginative works, even when they diverge from reality. It allows for a rich and immersive experience that transports readers to new worlds, explores different perspectives, and evokes a range of emotions. So, welcome to the world of writing.