Topic 4 (session A) - The grammar of simple sentences > Subject manipulation in text

Subject manipulation in texts

One of the ways we can pinpoint what is going on in texts is to notice what kinds of things are being referred to by the subjects, objects, and other clause elements. So, for example, other things being equal, if one character in a story usually turns up as subject to dynamic (and especially transitive) predicators, we will think of that person as active and dynamic. But if, other things being equal, a character typically turns up in object position, that person will most likely be seen as 'a bit of a wimp' - someone who is not dynamic, who is 'acted upon' and who is not in control of their own affairs.

Of course we have to be a bit careful not to jump to too quick conclusions, and to take the context of the descriptions properly into account. So, for example, if character A tells character B to undress her, character A is still in control even if character B is described in minute detail over several sentences, removing her clothes one at a time!

Task: Different choices of subjects in descriptions of childbirth

Nonetheless, we can often learn a lot from looking at what people or things occur in texts as the various SPOCA elements. Below, we provide three short extracts from different descriptions of childbirth.

Look carefully at what functions as subject of the clauses in these texts, and describe the different effects which you think are achieved by the patterns you notice. Then click on each extract to compare your conclusions with ours.

Tip: For the first extract you will need to be aware of the difference between active and passive sentences and also whether, in passive sentences, the agent has been deleted or not. More about actives and passives.

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