Post your own original subtext definition. Skip a line and write your analysis of your given quote. The format should look like this:
Definition.
Quote. - Author
Analysis of subtext (one paragraph).
Then, comment on a peer's response. You may comment on how they helped you understand their quote better OR disagree with their analysis and write a brief (one-two liner) counter-analysis with your own idea of what the author means. However, these are only suggestions.
Due: Wednesday January 30th
Note: If you need help digging out the subtext of your quote, please come see me.
Eugene Shin
ReplyDeleteSubtext- something indirectly stated.
"An aspiration is a joy for ever, a possession as solid as a landed estate." - Robert Louis Stevenson.
From one perspective, the quote is stating we have a tendency to value or appreciate something less when we actually obtain it; on the other hand, when we don't have our desire, we become very eager and constantly try to achieve it. This is because we are filled with happiness as long as we continue to chase after our goal or/and know we are becoming closer to it; however, once we have it, our happiness slowly begins to fade away because there is no longer a chase resulting in a challenge or thrill.
Sydney Lundgren
DeleteI agree completely.
Great insight, Eugene. Your point was extremely clear - I want to see more of this!
DeleteJimmy Muncy
ReplyDeleteSubtext- The deeper, "hidden" meaning in a text.
"An aspiration is a joy forever, a possesion as solid as a landed estate." -Robert Louis Stevenson
This quote could be taken many different ways. The most obvious is slightly negative, as the quote appears to be stating that most people regard the setting of a goal as equal to the achievement of it. I myself have felt this way many times, and it is can be described briefly as procrastination. Another perspective, though, is that having a goal could be a great thing, as when you have set any kind of standard for yourself, you always have something to work towards. So long as one is properly motivated, this could be a cycle of accomplishment.
Connor Boykin
DeleteI agree that this quote can be perceived in multiple fashions. I find your explanation to be a good example of the subtext that lies within this quote.
It seems to be easy to believe that the visible meaning of this quote is subtext, but you found your way through that.
You've definitely dug out some insight from within this quote - nice job!
DeleteMy question for you: "The most obvious is slightly negative, as the quote appears to be stating that most people regard the setting of a goal as equal to the achievement of it." <-- Is it REALLY a negative perspective?
Jimmy Muncy
DeleteI believe that it is, because to me, it seems to say that most people set a goal and then say "All right, I'm done" and forget about it.
Sydney Lundgren
ReplyDeleteSubtext- A second meaning underneath the author is trying to convay.
"An aspiration is a joy for ever, a possession as solid as a landed estate." - Robert Louis Stevenson
What the author is trying to get across in this quote is that an aspiration ,otherwise known as a goal or achievement, is more valuble mentally than a physical object. It is only natural to set goals and attempt to achive them. You get a feeling of enjoyment when you finally reach that goal. That feeling will always be better than something you aquired physically.
Kathy Qi
DeleteI agree 100%! Good job!
Nikhita Prabhakar
DeleteI definitely agree with what you are saying. What you wrote was exactly the same thing I thought of when I read the quote!
Su Park
DeleteI agree with your explanation. When I read your quote then your explanation, I think you explained very clearly!
Could you equate physical object to end result (aka achievement)?
DeleteWhy is it that we have such a deep sense of enjoyment when we finally reach that goal?
Matthew Punnoose
ReplyDeleteSubtext- I think subtext is the hidden message that can be found by analyzing the text.
"One must be poor to know the luxury of giving."
- George Eliot
I think George Eliot is trying to tell us that we have to know what it feels like to be poor, before we can understand the value of giving. I also think that he wants us to value the gifts other people give us, and we must have had felt what it feels like to be poor to know the value of their gifts. We also have to what it feels like to be poor, so we can appreciate what the other person went through to give us a gift.
Daniel Kim
DeleteWhen reading your first sentence it feels like it is the same thing as the actual quote.
Eugene Shin
DeleteI agree to your statements of needing to be poor to value giving and to value gifts from others. Unless we are put in the same situations, we can't truly comprehend and realize what it is like.
You've definitely made a good point - in your first sentence, value was a great word to use. There is a bit of repetition of one idea (just reworded) in your paragraph. My question for you is this: WHY must we feel what it feels like to be poor to know the value of receiving/giving? Answering this will dig much deeper into subtext.
DeleteDaniel Kim
ReplyDeleteSubtext-A message underneath the actual printed text.
"One must be poor to know the luxury of giving." -George Eliot
When analyzing this text and searching for the subtext I think that George Eliot is simply saying that the richer people don't value things as much as poorer people do. For an example if a poor man were to receive 100 dollars he would probably appreciate it more than if a rich man received the same amount. If you flip the situation around and the men were to give the money away, then since the poor man values the money more he would feel better about giving more than the rich man would.
Brianna Maravilla
DeleteVery well put, Daniel. I 100% agree with this. I believe that your statement about the quote is correct.
Ali Zafar
DeleteI absolutely agree with you Daniel. Very few people in the world that are wealthy don't value money as much as the people who can't afford to pay their rent. I had a much similiar response to my quote as well. Great response!
Jimmy Muncy
DeleteI think that what Eliot means by this quote is that a person who had at one point been poor would understand how giving to another can change your life. It does not apply merely to the currently poor.
You're on the right track with the idea that rich people probably won't value things as much as poor people. Isn't this obvious, though? Ask yourself "why"! Explain "why" when you give your example. What does luxury mean? Think of Bill Gates. Giving for him is going to be MUCH different from a homeless man giving. If the homeless man gives five dollars, he's most likely given everything he's had - and his gift is MUCH more meaningful than if Bill Gates had given five dollars out of his billions. Luxury could be directly linked to the meaning, motivation, and sacrifice of the gift (and affects both the giver and the receiver).
DeleteKacie Chong
DeleteI have to agree with you. I also think that a rich person will never understand the value of giving until he/she is actually put into the situation of a poorer man.
Brianna Maravilla
ReplyDeleteSubtext- the hidden meaning of a text
"we talk of wild animals; but man is the only wild animal. It is man that has broken out. All other animals are tame animals; following the rugged respectability of this tribe or type. - G.K. Chesterton, Orthodozy, 1909
The author is stating that man think of themselves as the greatest beings on this planet, there is a reason for that. In the quote, the author says that man has "broken out" . What he means ,by this,is that against impeccable odds mankind has achieved the most. Mankind has defied all of the laws of nature, yet there are still more achievements to be made. Other animals in the world have not even begun to think and act as we do, and we now think that it is impossible for animals to do so. Animals do not act, think, or speak as we do. Therefore, they cannot put their thoughts and ideas to action as we can. Because of this, we(mankind) think very highly of ourselves. Furthermore, I believe that we have a right to think like this. I am not stating that mankind is the most powerful force in the world -or even the universe, for that matter- , I am simply stating that mankind has done great deeds and has the right to think of themselves as great.
You seem to be painting a picture of man as great, accomplished, and, compared to other animals, supreme. However, is that what Chesterton is saying? He explicitly calls man a "wild animal". What does this mean exactly? "Wild animal" doesn't sound like a compliment to me. Also, it's interesting that he calls all other animals "tame animals". Interesting...
DeleteConnor Boykin
ReplyDeleteSubtext: The implicit meaning of a text.
"What nature requires is obtainable, and within easy reach. It's for the superfluous we sweat." -Seneca
I believe Seneca is trying to say that you can easily get by with the things you need. These are things such as shelter, food, water, and all of the other things one would require. However, work is required to obtain the things you want. These may be video games, cell phones, and laptops for example.
All in all, Seneca is stating that one can easily obtain the minimum requirements to keep living, but one must work towards that which they do not need, but want.
Matthew Punnoose
DeleteI agree with your explanation, and i also believe in your quote. Reading your statement really helps clear things up for me.
Chelsee Washington
DeleteI agree with the way you analyzed it. What nature gives us and the basic necessities of life can easily get us by. But, with the way our society has formed and how it has developed, things like cell phones and laptops are thought of as a necessity in order to survive.
I hope you looked up "superfluous" if you didn't know what it meant before commenting (:
DeleteYou're right - we can get by easily with what we need. Seneca makes an amazing statement about humans. What we NEED is so available to us. He's speaking to our excess efforts, time, and money spent on things that we don't need. We are greedy and expend massive effort on things we don't need (the games and such that you referred to earlier). If we all focused only on what we needed, how much less waste would we have? More time for helping others? Less poverty?
Also, Chelsee - you are completely right. I didn't even think of how cell phones and laptops are "necessities" for our world today. Interesting...thanks for the insight!
DeleteKathy Qi
ReplyDeleteSubtext: The meaning of text that's not actually stated in it. It's like reading between the lines.
"Plenty of people despise money, but few know how to give it away." -La Rochefoucauld
I think the hidden meaning of this is that many people don't want to be greedy, but not very many know how not to be like that. In quote he says, "Plenty of people despise money". I think that represents greed and selfishness. Many people don't want to be a scrooge but they can't not be one. It's kind of like people know the difference between good and bad, but they still choose the bad choice even though they disagree with it.
Bryant Lee
DeleteWhen i first read your quote i was like "what?" but your explanation is great. i can almost completely understand it, good job. I agree.
You gave some great insight in this. I especially loved the last sentence in your explanation! You're right. Rochefoucauld is being somewhat snarky in his statement. He's saying that lots of people hate money (or at least claim to) and yet they hold on so tight. He's pointing out a deep human flaw - our weakness. There is a contradiction between what we say and what we do. Could this also be talking about how we try to appear to the public as humble, generous people? However, we go back on our appearance and our character is marked by being stingy. You've heard the phrase, "If you talk the talk, you'd better walk the walk." He's definitely calling us out.
DeleteBryant Lee
ReplyDeleteSubtext-hidden underlying message
"We spend our time envying people whom we wouldn't wish to be." -Jean Rostand
Jean is saying that people that we envy, from a celebrity to even someone you know are things usually beyond our reach. If it was in your reach you would just grab it, and then you wouldn't envy it anymore. So Jean is saying yes we envy them but not the person themselves, but what they have the people themselves aren't different from us. What we envy is something they have more then what we do.
Asad Sayani
DeleteI also had this quote, but I looked at it from a different view point. I thought that Jean was saying that we must not be who we do not like, but looking from your view point i understand what you are saying and agree that it is true.
Bryant, I was interested to see what you would come up with. I like what you said in your second sentence - "we envy them but not the person themselves, but what they have the people themselves aren't different from us."
DeleteRostand is making a statement about one of our human flaws. When we envy people, sometimes we ignorantly envy them. Take someone like Justin Bieber: he has fame, money, a beautiful house, the car of his dreams - his life is glamorous. Many people envy him, but they never think of the downside to being Bieber. He can't go anywhere without being surrounded by fans. His personal life is publicized. People envy him, but in all reality, if we take in every aspect of him, we wouldn't necessarily wouldn't want to be him.
Asad - thank you for commenting how you did! I love when two different ideas on the same topic come together. It shows there are multiple views on almost everything.
Su Park
ReplyDeleteSubtext: a meaning behind a text that you can't read directly, but have to figure out by inferring and thinking more about the actual meaning of the text.
"Plenty of people despise money, but few know how to give it away." -La Rochefouculd
The author of this quote is saying that some people might mistreat money by using it on stuff that really isn't needed or things that people might really want. For example, some people might use money on things for their own good and not thinking about what good causes money can do for people in need. On the other hand, the "few people" know how to actually use money for good causes and not just use money repeatedly on things that are useless and isn't really needed to help them with their lives. The "few people" can be people who are wise about their choices and knows how to use things like money wisely and gives away money for good causes.
Su, go see my comment on Kathy Qi for more insight into the subtext meaning of this quote!
DeleteAli Zafar
ReplyDelete"plenty of people despise money, but few know how to give it away." - La Rochefoucauld
I actually like this quote because it is so true about the way people treat money. What this author is trying to tell us is that there are two types of people. One who just throws money away like it has no value whether it's a dollar or a hundred dollars and doesn't benefit him or others, or the one who gives money that either benefits him or others. The author states in the end of the first sentence, " despise money" which means people are basically wasting their own money and not realizing how important that money could be for the ones that are not so wealthy. One dollar might not mean anything to you but means a lot to for the poor. In the last sentence the author states, " know how to give it away" which means those type of people who actually thinks money means a lot to the person or others and if they were going to spend it they would do so wisely. They would spend it in things like schools, charity,etc. Therefore, i believe that the people with money should actually be thankful for what they have and not waste it like it's worth nothing.
You make some great points about how the rich don't value money and the poor have a greater sense of the value of money because of their lack of money. However, Rochefoucauld is actually talking about a much different idea.
DeleteFor more insight into the subtext of this quote, go see what I said in response to Kathy Qi's post.
Nikhita Prabhakar
ReplyDeleteSubtext - implied information in text
"Plenty of people despise money, but few know how to give it away." --La Rochefoucauld
The author is conveying that rich people HAVE lots of money, but they don't do anything useful with it. They just go about buying whatever they want without thinking about how it could change somebody's life if they decided to donate to charity. While this is not the case for all well-to-do families, some feel that they never have enough for themselves, so they never even entertain the notion that they could do some good. They always want more and more and more money! However, there are some families that are tight on money who feel that they should give back to the community or others who are in more need of money than them.
Merrick Smith
DeleteI agree completley! I also think that it means, plenty of people hate the rich and think money is the root of all evil. Yet when they are given money, they dont give it away, they spend it on themselves and use it for their own good. This is not true for everyone but usually in most cases, because we are so caught up with getting what we want and having better things that everyone else.
Nikhita, I love what you're saying, and I think there is absolute truth to what you're saying. However, I'm not quite sure your words transfer well to the subtext of the quote. Go read my response to Kathy Qi's post for more insight on what the subtext is actually saying beneath La Rochefoucauld's words.
DeleteMerrick, you are absolutely right (and I appreciate the length and insight of your response)! You've hit the nail on the head with your first few sentences.
Asad Sayani – 1
ReplyDeleteSubtext – I believe that subtext is what is not said in the words, but what is said underneath them.
“We spend our time envying people whom we wouldn't wish to be.” – Jean Rostand
I think that in this quote Jean is trying to say that we always loath on the actions of one who we do not like. I feel as if he is attempting to say that instead of hating on the actions of others who we do not like, we should focus on what we do and how to improve our selves. It seems that the author doesn't want us to dwell on others actions, yet make sure that we do not do the same as those we envy. I feel that is quote is very true and has a great meaning.
Ishani Sharma
DeleteI agree and understand clearly what you are trying to say. For example, people need to focus on themselves rather than wasting time on other people, which is absolutely true.
This is an interesting viewpoint about the quote. I'm glad you found something within it! However, Jean Rostand is saying something much more profound about our human condition; go check out what I commented in response to Bryant Lee's post. It'll give you some insight into the subtext behind these words.
DeleteIshani - exactly. Spending time thinking about others can be a good thing if it is spent in the right way (caring for them, being concerned for them, etc.) - not envying them or wishing you could be them.
Ishani Sharma
ReplyDeleteSubtext- to read between the lines, meaning to look for a deeper meaning of the text to actually understand the content thoroughly, rather than what is just given.
"A person may be indebted for a nose or an eye, for a graceful carriage or a voluble discourse, to a great-aunt or uncle, whose existence he has scarcely heard of." - Hazlitt
In this quote,there are feelings of obligation. I think the author is trying to say that "a" person is ready to give away anything ("nose or an eye") to get a chance to even have a conversation ("voluble discourse") with a person they rarely know. This is the literal meaning of the quote. This says a lot about the type of human being that person is, someone who is willing to talk to a relative who he has never heard of. Maybe he has heard great things about him/her, in which he is willing to do this. That person might think he is "indebted" or obligated to take such actions, regardless of their relationship. This also points out the people who would help anyone, anytime ,not knowing who they are.
First, I appreciate your translation of parts of the quote ("voluble discourse").
DeleteLet's take a look at the context of this quote: family (great-aunt, uncle). I loved this quote because it takes a look at something we rarely consider - that part of who we are (the way we chew our pencil when we're nervous; the way our eyes change colors depending on the light in the room; how compassionate we are) might be a trait inherited from a past relative. For instance, maybe the reason someone is so generous is because it was a character trait from an uncle five generations ago. We are indebted to relatives that died long before we were born: they gave us the characteristics we consider to be ours.
Chelsee Washington
ReplyDeleteSubtext- The true meaning of a piece of text that is not directly stated.
"Popularity is a crime from the moment it is sought; it is only a virtue where men have it whether they will or no." -Marquess of Halifax
This quote is indirectly stating that the second you seek out popular, it is a crime. This is to the unpopular audience and to the people that are not well-known. But, if you born popular and known for something good then it isn't a crime. Some people make it their number one achievement to become popular but if you strive for it and have the urge for it, it isn't a good thing.
Yes! Now, in response to your last sentence, why not? Why isn't it a good thing for people to strive for popularity and why is it okay for people to be popular if it settles unsolicited on them? "Why" is often a great way to dig into subtext.
DeleteMerrick Smith
ReplyDeleteSubtext- The underlying message of a text that the reader has to seek out for themelves. The subtext is not directly given, it is more like a scavenger hunt for a deeper meaning of the text.
"We spend our time envying people whom we wouldn't wish to be."
-Jean Rostand
The subtext of this qoute is tricky, yet simple. Jean is trying to explain that we always want what others have, yet we wouldnt want to be them. I believe that this qoute is highly true and I have seen it myself. At some point, we all get jealous of someone because they have something we want or seek. However, we dont want to be that person, we just want what they have.
Merrick
DeleteAlso, I'd like to add that this qoute is very true and it causes a lot of gossip and drama. I believe that this goes for everyone, and this is something every teenager has been through.
Merrick Smith
DeleteQuote*
Hannah Snyder
DeleteI completely agree! I'm seeing a lot of it also, especially in high school. People envying an athletic ability, how someone looks, or a friend group that another person is in. Good job!
Much of what you've said is just a rephrase of the quote itself. We want what others have but don't want to be them. This is exactly what Jean said. So, tell me more about what he's saying about society - about our human flaws! Ask yourself who we envy (popular people, celebrities, rich people, etc.). Why do we envy them? And then, are they really worth envying? Don't they have problems, too (debt, the inability to be "normal", etc.)? Are they REALLY enviable?
DeleteHannah Snyder
ReplyDeletesubtext- The message the author is trying to get across to the reader, but is not directly given. Reading between the lines
"Sophisticated people can hardly understand how vague experience is at bottom, and how truly that vagueness supports whatever clearness is afterwards attained." - Santayana
I think that this quote is saying that in an unclear situation, you learn the lesson later, or when you look back at it. And that maybe the sophisticated/ over-thinkers don't see the lesson learned, but only the problem itself and how to avoid another one like it. Maybe they miss the point entirely. Also, i think its saying that its ok to ask for help or to just take a step back from the problem, instead of trying to fix it all yourself.
Logan Layn
DeleteI agree with that! Sophisticated people just over think the issue of what has happened. Though, the unclearness of it helps them then understand what has happened.
I like your insight into this quote. Great job. Watch your punctuation and grammar - make sure you edit, please!
DeleteLogan Layn
ReplyDeleteSubtext- Subtext is the meaning of something buried under text, that you must find yourself.
"Popularity is a crime from the moment it is sought; it is only a virtue where men have it whether they will or no." - Marquess of Hailfax
Popularity is a crime the moment it is a desire of someones. It is being liked and admired by people, and you feel like you need people's approval. If you do then you aren't living your life how you want. You will do things you normally wouldn't do to have that popularity. Some popularity just comes to men even though they didn't ask for it.
Kacie Chong
DeleteI did not have this quote but I think that you have said this too directly from the quote. What I believe in what Marquess is trying to say is that when everyone has became so high of themselves that they tend to gossip, lie, cheat, some minor 'crimes'. They became to attached from being surrounded by people that they have become 'fake'. They have committed to a sin called "Greed" (from the 7 deadly sins). While, people who naturally get's people to surround them is the true way. Some people will like them or not, this is the true meaning from this quote in my perspective.
Think a little deeper about the subtext in this quote (you did rephrase the quote in a few places). I agree with your points about why seeking popularity is harmful and not admirable. What about the idea that popularity can also be a virtue? What does that mean exactly?
DeleteThink about people who do something honorable (like giving shoes to a homeless man - come see me if you want a great example!) and are immediately exposed to Facebook or YouTube (unsolicited popularity). Then, think about people like Lady Gaga who wear meat to an event to receive admiration. What is the difference between these two ideas of popularity?
Kacie Chong
ReplyDeleteSubtext- A hidden meaning behind a text/verse
"What nature requires is obtainable, and within easy reach. It's for the superfluous we sweat." -Seneca
I think that what Seneca meant was, we already have our necessities in place, such as home, food, and water. 'Nature' has already provided these things to us. But the unnecessary things is what we work hard for. We sweat for the things that we do not need but yet we go all crazy just to get what we WANT and not NEED. The new flat screen TV that cost hundreds of dollars, the expensive make up that some girls tend to buy, the new xbox game that everyone wants. Is this all necessary? Do we have to have it? Is this what we NEED to survive? The answer is no, all these new inventions are superfluous, unnecessary. We do not need this to live because they have not been prepared by nature. Yet, we spend so much money on things we do not need.
See my response to Connor Boykin for my insight into this quote! Make sure you're looking deeply into the text - what is Seneca saying about our human flaws? What is his main message behind they obvious(beyond the idea that we have what we need and strive for what we don't)?
Delete