Has anyone heard of an open text? Does anyone know about a closed text?
In literature, an open text is a text where reader can read in the way they wanted. It consists of dialogues that can be voiced by any characters. This is due to an open text has no name or gender of characters, it didn’t indicate that there must be two or more speakers. This makes an open text can have female, male, children, young or old characters play in it. Hence, this helps directors to play this play in any form, as he or she can interpret in any way. Furthermore, an open text has no specific setting; thus it has no stage directions. An open text has more freedom compare to a closed text.
Now, a closed text is just the opposite of an open text. A closed text is restricted in many ways; there will have no ambiguous stage directions. This can be seen that it has specified characters, as all actors have their own role to play. Lets look at the example, taken from "Now Read On" by John Mc.Rae and Malachi Edwin Vethamani, of an open text and a closed text:
In literature, an open text is a text where reader can read in the way they wanted. It consists of dialogues that can be voiced by any characters. This is due to an open text has no name or gender of characters, it didn’t indicate that there must be two or more speakers. This makes an open text can have female, male, children, young or old characters play in it. Hence, this helps directors to play this play in any form, as he or she can interpret in any way. Furthermore, an open text has no specific setting; thus it has no stage directions. An open text has more freedom compare to a closed text.
Now, a closed text is just the opposite of an open text. A closed text is restricted in many ways; there will have no ambiguous stage directions. This can be seen that it has specified characters, as all actors have their own role to play. Lets look at the example, taken from "Now Read On" by John Mc.Rae and Malachi Edwin Vethamani, of an open text and a closed text:
Open text
What are you writing?
Nothing.
[They drink]
Not writing?
No.
Why not?
Nothing to say.
Doesn’t stop others. Written out?
Yes.
[They drink]
Now, what are you writing?
Nothing.
What are you writing?
Nothing.
[They drink]
Not writing?
No.
Why not?
Nothing to say.
Doesn’t stop others. Written out?
Yes.
[They drink]
Now, what are you writing?
Nothing.
Closed Text
Jonson : What are you writing
Shakespeare : Nothing
[They drink]
Shakespeare : Nothing
[They drink]
Jonson :Not writing?
Shakespeare : No
Shakespeare : No
Jonson :Why not?
Shakespeare :Nothing to say.
Jonson :Doesn't stop others. Written out?
Shakespeare :Yes.
[They drink]
Jonson :Now, what are you writing?
Shakespeare :Nothing.
Shakespeare :Nothing to say.
Jonson :Doesn't stop others. Written out?
Shakespeare :Yes.
[They drink]
Jonson :Now, what are you writing?
Shakespeare :Nothing.
When we are given an open text only, it will be obvious that we starts to interpret where the dialogue takes place, who are or is the speaker(s).
While discussing with my partner, we came out with all sought of settings and characters. We thought it might be taken place in a pub, classroom, canteen or at home. We even came out with the idea of the character is a busybody who wants to know what other people are doing. Besides, the characters may be friends discussing on their homework, students’ discussion. In addition, we also thought of how would be the tone of the speakers. For us, an open text is just so ambiguous.
As we got the closed text, then only we realise that it is a conversation between two journalists. Therefore, from the two extracts above, we can differentiate between an open text and a closed text.
1 comment:
People should read this.
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