The Scenic Present (Praesens Scaenicum) as One of the Functions of the Present Tense Form

Abstract

This paper examines primary features of the scenic present (SP), which is one of several types of use of the present tense form. It reveals distinctive features that separate SP from other functions of the given tense form, such as the historical present, the present in the context of the future, habitual, gnomic, constant, abstract, prophetic present etc. The research material is derived from parenthetical remarks found in the plays by Russian writers. It cites several studies by Ju. S. Maslov, in which the use of SP in Russian and Bulgarian is analysed. There are three essential factors that help to create special scenic or stage environment: 1) a definite subject and/or object; 2) a concrete place; 3) a definite moment of an action (definite event). In stage remarks the imperfective present tense forms a center in the given functional microfield. It does not substitute the perfective aspect, although it expresses both imperfective and perfective content. This research makes it possible to conclude that stage remarks have special scenic environment. The moment of the playwright’s (author’s) speech coincides with the moment of the event and the stage (scenic) time. Refs 21.