Descriptive+Subtitles


 * Kristen Goedde and Scott White**

Definition: Descriptive subtitles are when authors are clever with their headings in order for the reader to get a sense of what's happening, but at the same time, keeps the reader guessing. These are often used to help the reader remember certain parts of the book the author feels are important.

Example 1: " //Drawn from the Archives of Newark's Newsreel Theater"// (Page 301) This is a prime example of a descriptive subtitle in the novel. This is the first time in the book where you notice a change in writing style or structure. Roth writes all of Chapter 8, where this occurs, in such a way that it's like you're watching the news. All events listed are descriptive, and to the point. He does this for a reason, changing the style like this makes the reader more alert as to what's happening, which in turn, should help you remember what takes place better.

Example 2: "//Granting a Pardon to Burton Wheeler//" (page 320) In this section of the book Roth uses the descriptive subtitle to explain what the pardon was that Roth was refering to. This subtitle is used to let the reader know what the proclamation is that is issued by President Roosevelt. As well explaining the proclamation, as long as the reader knows what a pardon is, it allows the reader to skim the resulting paragraph unless they want more detailed information.

Outside example:[|Wisconsin 13, Fresno state 10: Bullish enough to escape], jsonline.com For this heading it is almost essential for readers to have a descriptive subtiltle as well as the heading when reading the story. The heading is great for figuring out who the story is about and why but the subtitle explains to the reader what the article will be about, as well as leaving a little mystery in the heading so that readers are compelled to read on in order to figure out what was so bullish about Wisconsin.