Response to Crystal's Questions

1. What does the author mean by describing silence as a 'present absence?' Would you agree or disagree that silence is a presence and not an absence?

I think the author means that silence just doesn't mean that you are not hearing any sounds but itself is a significant aural experience. I think the idea that silence is a presence not an absence is absolutely valid. It reminds the listener that in silence you should not just focus on the sound that surrounds it but the 'sound' of silence as well. Silence is not always the default state. in fact, in this day and age think about what it takes to get absolute silence, it's definitely harder than making noise. We are constantly bombarded with ambient noise and go to great lengths purchasing sound canceling headphones or soundproofing our walls just to get what everyone views as 'default' or natural. In music, silence can be the most profound thing that you hear in a piece, after a cacophonous roar of instruments a measure or two of silence can 'sound' just as 'loud'.