This thesis attempts to achieve three related aims. The initial aim is to uncover an anatomy of silence designed to draw attention to its different types, and help us understand its enigma a little better. This has resulted in a useful distinction between two types of silence which are designated the titles: Harpocratic and Larundic. Harpocratic silence is empty, mysterious and reflective. It offers no meaning of its own and therefore no fetters to reflection and creation. Larundic silence is full of meaning which it can communicate in more and less effective ways than language. The second aim of the thesis is to show that Larundic silence can communicate but only through interpretation, which leaves it open to exploitation. Thus a model is offered which is intended to preserve Larundic silences from radical readings. Finally, the thesis examines how silence is applied in the contexts of medicine, law and art. This focuses primarily on the category of Larundic silences which are more likely to arise in the fields chosen. Harpocratic silence is applied in other areas, namely music and religion. Silence is demonstrated to be a complex and multi-faceted concept, with the capacity for meaning and reflection.
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