Blog Post 8 - Vitor M.

In Aaron Smuts’ article, The Desire-Frustration Theory of Suspense, he explains a theory of suspense that attempts to show the workings behind director Alfred Hitchcock’s technique for creating cinematic suspense. Hitchcock’s method works by showing the audience certain information that the characters are unaware of. The author’s theory debates that the frustration for a desired outcome of an event motivates Hitchcock’s method and shows multiple human responses to suspense.

In Donald Beecher’s article, Suspense, he presents a thorough exploration into the uses and scope of suspense. The author outlines two distinct ideas/views of suspense, outlining the device either through cognitive psychology or narratology.

In Robert J. Yanal’s article, The Paradox of Suspense, he looks at how narratives, both fictional and factual raise suspense in their audiences. Other information included in his article is the definition of narratives, explanation of how narratives raise suspense, other conditions necessary for suspense, and Richard Gerrig’s views on suspense.

In an article written by four authors, The Effect of Suspense on Enjoyment Following a Desirable Outcome: The Mediating Role of Relief, they explain that although prevalent in many forms of media entertainment, suspense represents a paradox for enjoyment because it is experiences as an aversive state. Three studies are presented across two media contexts demonstrating how outcomes to suspenseful episodes affect viewers’ relief.

In Christy Mag Uidhir’s article, The Paradox of Suspense Realism, she discusses suspense realism and examines the motivation behind a theory of suspense. A definition is presented that considers the emotions that suspense realism can induce in readers or audience.