Final answer:
In a dialogue, what the character says is the text, while the underlying meaning or message is referred to as the subtext. Dialogue can include subtle cues that indicate deeper intentions beyond the literal words, enriching storytelling with more profound implications.
Step-by-step explanation:
In a dialogue, what the character says is the text, and what the character consciously or subconsciously means is known as the subtext. Text refers to the actual words spoken by characters, whereas subtext refers to the underlying meanings and messages that are not explicitly stated but can be inferred from the dialogue. As French philosopher Paul Ricoeur suggested, understanding literary work involves creating meaning based on the given words which are open to an endless array of interpretative possibilities.
Dialogue is critical to storytelling and can reveal character dynamics, backstory, and advance the narrative. Characters may express their thoughts directly through dialogue or internally in a monologue or soliloquy. The choice of words, tone, and other nuanced cues within dialogue help establish the subtext that enriches the reader's understanding and engagement with the story.
The context in which the text is written, including the historical, literary, cultural, socioeconomic, religious, and political background, also plays a vital role in interpreting the text and its subtext. Whether in literature, film, or everyday conversation, recognizing and analyzing subtext allows for a deeper appreciation of the complexities of communication.