Text vs. Subtext
Josefino Rivera, Jr.
Literature and Personal Choice
Hamlet 3.1.99-175
29 January 2009
Text and Subtext
» Text: What is explicitly said
» Subtext: What is implicitly said
Text vs Subtext
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A: You’re late.
B: I know. I couldn’t help it.
A: I understand.
B: I thought you would.
A: I have something to give you.
B: Really?
A: Yes, this.
Scene 1: Two friends--the late friend has just arrived
at what will be a surprise party for him or her
» A: You’re late. (pretending to be angry)
» B: I know. I couldn’t help it. (honestly feels bad)
» A: I understand. (truly understands and is glad
because it helps)
» B: I thought you would. (knows friend is
understanding)
» A: I have something to give you. (pretending it
isn’t a big deal)
» B: Really? (confused)
» A: Yes, this. (happy to surprise friend)
Scene 2: Pizza delivery and customer.
The pizza delivery is late.
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A: You’re late. (actually angry)
B: I know. I couldn’t help it. (honestly feels bad)
A: I understand. (is not really understanding)
B: I thought you would. (thinks customer is being
genuine)
» A: I have something to give you. (pretends to be
nice and give tip)
» B: Really? (knows it’s a tip and is surprised A is still
giving B one)
» A: Yes, this. (sarcastically--tip is very bad)
Scene 3: Bride and groom.
One has arrived late for the wedding.
» A: You’re late. (very angry)
» B: I know. I couldn’t help it. (honestly feels very
bad)
» A: I understand. (is not really understanding)
» B: I thought you would. (thinks partner is being
genuine)
» A: I have something to give you. (pretends to be
nice)
» B: Really? (very surprised that A would give a givf
after this incident)
» A: Yes, this. (makes point--returns ring)
Scene 4: Spies--They are meeting secretly to
exchange information.
» A: You’re late. (monotone)
» B: I know. I couldn’t help it. (matter of fact)
» A: I understand. (is purposefully being
understanding because A needs to give B the
information)
» B: I thought you would. (rubs power dynamic in
A’s face)
» A: I have something to give you. (matter of fact)
» B: Really? (pretending to be surprised but knows
what it is)
» A: Yes, this. (matter of fact)
What changed?
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Body language
Props
Behavior
Blocking (movement)
Facial expressions
Vocal inflection
Subtext
» …affects motivation of character
» …thus, our understanding of that
character.
The Nunnery Scene
(3.1.99-175)
» Recap 3.1 (read page 122)
» Context: Polonius and Claudius are still in
the room, listening.
» Directions:
 In pairs, read and define words/phrases you
don’t know
 Prepare the scene to reflect your assigned
subtext
Subtext Assignments
» Inside Circle: Hamlet knows from the
beginning that Polonius and Claudius are
watching him
» Middle Circle: Hamlet does not know until
later in the scene that he is being
watched. The pair decides when, based
on the script.
» Outside Circle: Hamlet never knows that
he is being watched.
Compare and Contrast
» For HOMEWORK (write this down):
Write a persuasive log (at least 4 paragraphs) that explains
which version of the video clips you think Shakespeare
wanted his readers to understand.
Paragraph 1: Intro and thesis (your stance)
Paragraph 2: Compare and contrast blocking and
movement
Paragraph 3: Compare and contrast facial
expressions and gestures
Paragraph 4: Compare and contrast vocal inflection
Also Kyle B. et al and Zoe et al are performing tomorrow.
LOGS 2.2 (last Friday), 3.1 (Monday), and video log (tonight’s)
Film Clips:
Zeffirelli (Mel Gibson) and Kline (Kevin Kline)
» Inside Circle: Compare and contrast
blocking (movement)
» Middle Circle: Compare and
contrast facial expression and
gestures
» Outside Circle: Compare and
contrast vocal inflection