Subtext is an important part of creative writing, as it allows a writer to thread underlying themes and messages throughout the text, thus creating depth to the story that is otherwise difficult to match. For this journal assignment, use the final two stories or novel excerpts from your reading list to do the following.
Compare and contrast how the authors achieve subtext in their writing.
Explain how each method is successful in creating depth to the stories.
Discuss the authors’ use of literary devices (for an overview of these devices, see Literary Devices and Termsor Literary Devices), paying particular attention to dialogue. Be sure to pull specific passages from the text to support your claim.
Finally, briefly explain how you plan to achieve subtext in your own revisions. What devices will you use, and what underlying theme do you hope to capture in your work?