extendedconfirmed
4,624
edits
Changes
Jump to navigation
Jump to search
Line 4:
Line 4: − + − + + + + +
defined it a little
}}
}}
'''Subtext''' is content in [[canon]] (or, sometimes, [[fanworks]]) that is meant to be understood by the audience without being explicitly stated. In fan discussions, subtext most commonly refers to canon that is felt to imply a romantic [[Shipping|relationship]] or [[UST]] between two characters, or to hint at a character's sexual orientation.
<small>''Spectators come to the theater to hear the subtext.'' Constantin Stanislavski, the father of [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Stanislavski%27s_system method acting]</small>
When the term subtext is used with regard to canon, an argument is often made that fans are seeing sexual relationships or attraction where they don't really exist. However, particularly in dramatics, subtext does not necessarily have to be deliberate on the part of the author. There have been many debates over whether certain subtext exists in canon whether or not the [[authorial intent|writer intended to put it there]].
'''Subtext''' as defined by the Russian director Constantin Stanislavski is the underlying motivation, feelings and emotions behind a character's actions and speech. With a good actor, the audience can pick up on the subtext and interpret the character's thoughts. This is why people say of actors like Ethel Barrymore or Leonard Nimoy that a single gesture or word "spoke volumes".<ref>At least this is true of neurotypical audiences. This is an area where autistics can have difficulty eliciting meaning, and may need to have some things spelled out in more detail.</ref>
In fandom, subtext is content in [[canon]] (or, sometimes, [[fanworks]]) that is meant to be understood by the audience without being explicitly stated. In fan discussions, subtext most commonly refers to canon that is felt to imply a romantic [[Shipping|relationship]] or [[UST]] between two characters, or to hint at a character's sexual orientation.
When the term subtext is used with regard to canon, an argument is often made that fans are [[Slash goggles|seeing sexual relationships or attraction]] where they don't really exist. However, particularly in dramatics, subtext does not necessarily have to be deliberate on the part of the author. There have been many debates over whether certain subtext exists in canon whether or not the [[authorial intent|writer intended to put it there]].
In [[Xena: Warrior Princess|Xena]] fandom, "subtext" refers to the implication that [[Xena/Gabrielle|Xena and Gabrielle]] are meant to be understood as a lesbian couple.<ref>[http://www.xenite.org/faqs/subtext.html Xena - The Subtext FAQ for alt.tv.xena], Version 1.08, updated 1998. (Accessed 26 December 2008)</ref> A "[[subtexter]]" in Xena fandom is someone who is a fan of lesbian subtext. Here, references to subtext links, subtext fanfiction, subtext virtual seasons, etc. are usually referring to a lesbian interpretation of the source, like for example in CN Winters [http://www.cnscaldron.com/cn_winters_subtext_reports.html Xena Subtext Reports].
In [[Xena: Warrior Princess|Xena]] fandom, "subtext" refers to the implication that [[Xena/Gabrielle|Xena and Gabrielle]] are meant to be understood as a lesbian couple.<ref>[http://www.xenite.org/faqs/subtext.html Xena - The Subtext FAQ for alt.tv.xena], Version 1.08, updated 1998. (Accessed 26 December 2008)</ref> A "[[subtexter]]" in Xena fandom is someone who is a fan of lesbian subtext. Here, references to subtext links, subtext fanfiction, subtext virtual seasons, etc. are usually referring to a lesbian interpretation of the source, like for example in CN Winters [http://www.cnscaldron.com/cn_winters_subtext_reports.html Xena Subtext Reports].