Subtext

Choose one of the following sentences and re-write it so that the SUBTEXT changes. You may add sentences, move words around, or shift the rhythm (like Shakespeare!) to change the subtext.

Remember, subtext is an underlying theme, meaning, or relationship between characters, not what is said by a character or author, but how, when and why.


1. How am I supposed to do this without you?

2. "So nice to see you", she says, and lifts her eyebrows.

3. He interrupted her briefly to say he could hear sirens down the street.

Never Did Run Smooth

Lysander observes that the "course of true love never did run smooth" (1.1.134). Why? What are the obstacles to "true" love in this play? What are the social (cultural/historical) or psychological aspects (motives/bases) of such obstacles? Is it the "nature" of love to be bumpy rather than smooth? Can one avoid choosing "love by another's eyes" (1.1.140)?

Most Awesome English Class Ever

Seagren, Carly, Annie, Selim, Trevin, Non Sequitur, Julia, Presley, Matthew, Thomas, Calliope, J.B., Noopur, Ms. Fleming...

...but where is Coleman's head? Oh, there he is:

But where is John David? Stay tuned...

Let's enjamb!

Take the following paragraph and put in line breaks to make it into a poem. Be sure to enjamb at least two of your lines!

The clashes and groans from the lake continued unabated, dreadful at night, and the sound of the night wind in the mountains was like one long indrawn breath. Downstairs the flood bumped and fumbled like a blind man in a strange house, but outside it hissed and trickled, like the pressure of water against your eardrums, and like the sounds you hear in the moment before you faint.

(from Marilynne Robinson's Housekeeping)

Battle of Odysseus and Cyclops Retold (adaptation)

Odes

This "ode" is funny and ironic in tone. The subject is a sweater vest. I'd say the theme is the uselessness of some fashion trends. The form is a blank verse poem. Find an ode on your own and list the link or copy and paste the ode into your comment field. Tell us the tone, subject, form, and theme of the ode. What is your ode praising?

Simile

Fill in the following sentences in your comment. Try to be creative and try to go for a comparison that is unexpected or makes us see the subject in a new way:

Don't tell my mom that her cookies taste like __________________.
Watching Katya dance is like ________________________.
The crumbs left on my plate are like _______________________.