Text vs. Subtext

1. Text vs. Subtext Josefino Rivera, Jr. Literature and Personal Choice Hamlet 3.1.99-175 29 January 2009

2. Text and Subtext • Text: What is explicitly said • Subtext: What is implicitly said

3. Text vs Subtext • 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.

4. 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)

5. Scene 2: Pizza delivery and customer. The pizza delivery is late. • 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)

6. 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)

7. 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)

8. What changed? • Body language • Props • Behavior • Blocking (movement) • Facial expressions • Vocal inflection

9. Subtext • …affects motivation of character • …thus, our understanding of that character.

10. 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

11. 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.

12. 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)

13. 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