Subtext

Under subtext is understood in linguistics and the arts a level of meaning that is underlying the explicit statement of a sentence or a work of art as an additional dimension expression.

Definition

Is often used as subtext also that defines what "really" is to be said; this definition is inaccurate and even problematic, as the two levels of meaning are in mutual dependency. In contrast to the explicit statement that is understandable to all in the ideal case, the subtext reveals itself only to those readers, listeners, etc., which have special additional information. The understanding of subtext as an interpretation, as " intermediate the -line reading " means.

The theater is used for ( by the performer while speaking imaginary) subtext actors as technology, may the to fill artistically shaped text with life and expression.

Examples of Subtext

Examples of subtext can be especially in the literature, see the film and in music.

Subtext is a fundamental feature of art. In Thomas Mann's novel The Magic Mountain, for example, can represent many layers of subtext competent readers below the " actual" action. In addition to his playful or aesthetic use subtext may contain such statements, which are intended only for a minority and should not be perceived by the majority of the audience or by the censors. This is in many movies the case, for example, in William Wyler's sandals movie Ben Hur, in which only viewers who are not proficient in the performance of those meanings, Messalas (Stephen Boyd ) devoted friendship for his friend Ben Hur ( Charlton Heston ) "read" not as a homosexual love.

That subtext in the music plays a role, show, inter alia, several works by Dmitri Shostakovich, who was forced under Stalinism to shift all the essential statements of his compositions in the subtext. A means by which the music subtext is generated, for example, the musical quotation, which is only recognized by " initiated " listeners.