Texts and subtexts

Text and Subtext

Sometimes, a spade is just a spade.  Sometimes, when you're writing about a blue rug, it's just a blue rug.  Others may read into your blue rug: depression, sadness, water, nature, whatever.  But sometimes, you just want to write about the rug.

However, when you want meaning beyond the surface description, it's important to keep in mind what the point or motivation is at all times.  What are you trying to show through your rugs and spades?  Say you want meaning to come through in dialogue.  Sometimes, dialogue is just dialogue.  A character says something, and another responds to move the plot along or show character.

However, sometimes, it's better yet if two characters can SEEM to talk about one thing and yet be really talking about something entirely different under the surface.  Say two characters are talking about whether to get a dog.  On the surface level, the two characters are talking about a dog.  However, under the surface, she's really asking if they can start a family, can try to have a baby.  He blows her off because he doesn't get what she's really asking.  He just doesn't like dogs.  Or, sometimes better yet, he gets what she's saying.  He understands she's not JUST asking for a dog.  And he wants nothing to do with a baby.  It's too much commitment, too much stress, feeds into childhood trauma, etc.  This is a great way to SHOW character.

The most meaningful movies, books, and scenes show clear motivation for the character.  One of the truly sophisticated ways to show clear motivation is by having two characters talk about it or, sometimes, talk about it WITHOUT SEEMING to talk about it.  We start to walk the realm of symbolism and deeper meaning, something great literature often does.

Now go back to that piece of dialogue that is sitting like a rock on the page.  Is it not working because it's too obvious?  Try using context and sneaky language to hint at motivations and meaning.  Best of luck.