"It is not what an author says, but what he or she whispers that is important." According to this adapted quote by Logan Pearsall Smith, the underlying message that the author is trying to convey, besides the text, is significant. Or, in other words, read between the lines. This statement is true and relevant because the writer's feelings come out on paper while the they write, expressing more than just the story they are writing.
In the play "The Glass Menagerie" by Tennessee Williams, the author injects a part of himself into his writing. Not only is he telling the story of Wingfield family, but he is also writing about the aspects and feelings of his own family as well. The use of vernacular language in the play aids in allowing the reader to see and feel exactly what is going on. This helps to let one relate to the play and see it as a real-life family, maybe Tennessee Williams" own family. The use of setting in this play is also critical. The majority of the play taking place in the cramped apartment exudes a small confined place bursting with the emotions of three very different people. Perhaps this is also what Williams" own home was like: full with clashing emotions.
The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald also has an underlying message, that one should always aspire to fulfill their dreams. He interwned this message in his text by utilizing theme. The story took place in the twenties, also known as the "Roaring Twenties." This was an ideal time period for his book because that was a time of fun and dreams, when nothing couldn't be accomplished. Young people threw parties and lived life to its full extent, fulfilling their dreams of good times and fun. This was Jay Gatsby's life, the good life, except he was lacking in one thing that would make his life complete, the heart of Daisy Buchanan. He aimed to make his dream come true.
I feel that it is very true that the "hidden" message is somewhat more eminent than the story itself.