The Subtext In Glengarry Glen Ross
“…the spoken word, the text of a play is not valuable in and of itself, but is made so by the inner content of the subtext and what is contained in it” (Stanislavski, Building a Character) Theatre has always been about much more than what is written. The plays and musicals we watch extend far past the lines of dialogue we hear and enjoy. It is in the words that we find beautiful quotes and messages that we can carry throughout our lives, but it is in the subtext that thoughts are provoked, and we are able find the true meaning of the piece. Subtext is not only limited to the audience’s experience, as it can also be a reference to interaction between any of the characters. The subtext of a piece can be displayed and recognised through the way
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A story taking place over two days about the lives of four salesmen, is an examination of behind the scenes of their real estate office as they all try and keep their jobs. During a monologue by the character Richard Roma, the way the character acts is revealing to the audience about the subtext. The way the Richard projects his body, the use of his volume of his voice, and his use of blinking indicates the subtext of his speech (Foley, 1982). The use of his body, voice, and expressions, make him appear bigger and more powerful than the character Williamson he is speaking to, in order to emasculate him. The subtext here is about how masculinity, and the emphasis characters place on it in regards to ability to sell. By making himself appear bigger through his actions, and by belittling Williamson, he reveals how important manliness is viewed in their world, sexist as it may be. In another scene involving Williamson, we are able to see how the body can speak the subtext without words. Williamson tells one of his salesmen, George Aaronow, to go to lunch after he comes into the office yelling about wanting to work that day (Foley, 1982). Although Williamson is just telling him to go to lunch, by not blinking, using a powerful stance, and a calm but angry voice, he indicates that he needs Aaronow to fall in line. Aaronow reacts without words, but by putting his hands on his hips to indicate he understands, and suggests he will be submissive. These actions further the subtext about the struggle for power these men are
A story taking place over two days about the lives of four salesmen, is an examination of behind the scenes of their real estate office as they all try and keep their jobs. During a monologue by the character Richard Roma, the way the character acts is revealing to the audience about the subtext. The way the Richard projects his body, the use of his volume of his voice, and his use of blinking indicates the subtext of his speech (Foley, 1982). The use of his body, voice, and expressions, make him appear bigger and more powerful than the character Williamson he is speaking to, in order to emasculate him. The subtext here is about how masculinity, and the emphasis characters place on it in regards to ability to sell. By making himself appear bigger through his actions, and by belittling Williamson, he reveals how important manliness is viewed in their world, sexist as it may be. In another scene involving Williamson, we are able to see how the body can speak the subtext without words. Williamson tells one of his salesmen, George Aaronow, to go to lunch after he comes into the office yelling about wanting to work that day (Foley, 1982). Although Williamson is just telling him to go to lunch, by not blinking, using a powerful stance, and a calm but angry voice, he indicates that he needs Aaronow to fall in line. Aaronow reacts without words, but by putting his hands on his hips to indicate he understands, and suggests he will be submissive. These actions further the subtext about the struggle for power these men are