Writing Tip: The Power of Subtext
Subtext is one of those subtle parts of writing that makes such a difference in reader experience! Instead of being told everything outright, we get to explore and find those meanings for ourselves as we read. I want to just touch briefly on what subtext is and why we use it, but then I want to share a few examples from classic literature to show what I mean.
What is subtext, and why does it matter?
Put simply, subtext is the unsaid, hidden layers of meaning beneath the surface. It adds depth and complexity to a story and allows readers to explore emotions, motivations, and subtle nuances on their own, without being spoon-fed what we should be thinking or feeling. While the text provides the explicit story, subtext invites readers to engage actively, discerning the deeper meaning behind things. In essence, subtext allows us to bring the reader into our pages, which is one of the strongest ways to connect our readers with our work.
Classic Literature Examples (Novels) With Great Subtext
I like examples for most things, but especially for more abstract concepts like this one. So, I’ve picked 5 classics which I think do a great job of utilizing subtext. While I’m not going to go through and provide passages from each one (I like to keep my posts short), I’ll explain why I’ve selected that particular story as an example. I highly encourage you to read them all if you haven’t already. And even if you have, perhaps it would be worth re-reading, this time with subtext in mind. See if you can highlight where it’s used throughout the book!
Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen
Austen’s works thrive on subtext, but this is especially true in Pride and Prejudice as we watch scenes unfold between Elizabeth Bennet and Mr. Darcy. Their witty exchanges and seemingly casual conversations are imbued with unspoken emotions. By reading between the lines, we can sense the subtle shifts in their feelings, making what might otherwise be a simple love story a masterclass in the nuances of navigating conflict in the midst of societal pressure and conforming to social expectations/etiquette. So much is left unsaid, but we hear it loud and clear if we’re paying attention.
The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald
Fitzgerald's exploration of the American Dream in The Great Gatsby is full of juicy subtext. Behind the lavish parties and extravagant lifestyles, there’s a meaningful commentary on disillusionment and the emptiness that often accompanies the relentless pursuit of wealth. I read this in school, as many people do, but it was upon a recent reread that I was able to truly appreciate this story and its layers.
To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee
Lee offered a masterclass in subtext with To Kill A Mockingbird, revealing racial injustice through the innocent eyes of Scout Finch. The unspoken societal tensions, prejudices, and the quest for justice urge readers to engage with more than just the surface story. Even the mockingbird motif is subtext, as it represents harmlessness and innocence in a world that’s anything but. It’s a loud statement of a theme we see throughout the story.
The Catcher in the Rye by J.D. Salinger
Holden Caulfield's irreverent observations and sarcastic tone mask a deeper struggle with loss and the search for authenticity in a world he perceives as fake. This is only one reason of many why Salinger's exploration of adolescent angst is a fantastic example of subtext. We’re able to understand (despite the unreliable narrator of Holden Caulfield) that so much more is going on. For instance, as readers, we understand his disdain toward “phoniness” is rooted in his own lack of identity and authenticity, and his fear of becoming something he hates. This is never stated outright, but it’s apparent if we’re paying attention. His interest in the history museum, and the unchanging artifacts within, could hint at his fear of change and desire for stability. Seriously, there are so many examples just off the top of my head. Maybe it’s time for a reread on this one, myself. It’s been a while.
Hamlet by William Shakespeare
Shakespeare's Hamlet is a treasure trove of subtext, especially in the soliloquies. Characters grapple with internal conflicts, and the intricate relationships are packed full with unspoken tensions, creating a really interesting and compelling display of human nature. I’m thinking of a particular scene where Hamlet tells Ophelia to “Go thee to a nunnery”. He’s insulting her and essentially calling her promiscuous, without saying it directly. He’s also telling on himself and showing how he generally sees certain weaknesses in society. Plus, he knows he’s being watched, so his words could be for their benefit and to protect Ophelia by creating distance between them. This one interaction has so much fantastic subtext.
Crafting Subtext in Your Writing
To infuse your writing with subtext, embrace the power of the unsaid. So often we want to explain, for clarity’s sake, but when done well, the words we leave off the page can say just as much (if not more) than anything we say outright. Use ambiguous dialogue, subtle gestures, and carefully chosen details to convey more than what's explicitly stated. Let characters' actions and the spaces between words become a place where readers can imagine their own interpretations. By doing so, we invite readers to actively participate in our stories.
I know as a reader, I far prefer stories where the author trusts me to be engaged enough to understand what’s happening beyond the surface level. As writers, we can trust our readers to pick up on what’s left unsaid. And in fact, it will make the reading experience far more engaging, immersive, and satisfying for them!
Happy Writing!
