Today we were on an assembly schedule for the pep rally. In class, we discussed "Human" by The Killers. We learned about subtext, context, and inference when doing literary analysis.
Subtext is what is under the text, the deeper meaning, the inferred or implied meaning in literature.
Subtext refers to an underlying theme or an implied relationship between characters in a book, movie, play or film. The subtext of a work is not explicitely stated, but often interpreted by fans. Subtext can be a way for the creator of a work to relay ideals, principles, controversial relationships or political statements without alienating viewers or readers who may balk at the ideas or even reject the work. subtext: The meaning beneath the surface or obvious meaning. There are often many subtexts in a work. These subtexts often emerge after closer study of a work.
Context is the part of a written (or spoken) statement which leads up to, follows, and specifies the meaning of that statement. The context of a group of words is nearly always very intimately connected as to throw light upon not only the meaning of individual words, but also the sense and purpose of an entire work. Understanding the context in which a work of literature was produced often leads to a deeper understanding of the work itself; for instance, understanding the social and economic position of women in the early Nineteenth Century can provide a greater insight into the characterizations of women in Jane Austen’s novels.
Infer (inference) - to draw a reasonable conclusion from the informaion presented. To make calculated guesses or draw logical conclusions.
We watched the video and discussed context (Goblin Valley). We looked at the images for inferred meanings and messages (symbolism of the eagle, cougar, white tiger led us to believe the message was about how "being human made you free to be yourself.") The video is available here and on YouTube.
Compare "Nothing Else Matters" by Metallica to "Human." The message is the same.
