Metafiction

Definition

Metafiction is a form of fiction that self-consciously addresses the devices of fiction, often blurring the boundaries between fiction and reality. It involves techniques that remind readers they are reading a fictional work, such as direct commentary on the narrative structure, authorial presence, or intertextual references. This playful approach to storytelling allows writers to explore the nature of narrative and the relationship between the author, text, and reader.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Metafiction gained popularity during the late 20th century but has roots in earlier literary forms that questioned narrative conventions.
2. Laurence Sterne's 'The Life and Opinions of Tristram Shandy, Gentleman' is one of the earliest examples of metafiction, using digression and playful language to disrupt traditional storytelling.
3. Metafiction often includes authorial asides or commentary that invites readers to reflect on the act of reading and the construction of stories.
4. The use of metafiction can create a more engaging reading experience by prompting readers to become active participants in interpreting the text.
5. This genre often challenges the idea of a single, authoritative narrative by introducing multiple perspectives and questioning the reliability of the narrator.

Review Questions

• How does metafiction challenge traditional storytelling techniques?
  • Metafiction challenges traditional storytelling techniques by directly addressing the reader and highlighting the constructed nature of narratives. This can include breaking the fourth wall, using authorial commentary, or employing unconventional narrative structures. Such techniques prompt readers to reconsider their assumptions about fiction and its relationship to reality, thereby encouraging a more active engagement with the text.
• In what ways does Laurence Sterne's 'The Life and Opinions of Tristram Shandy, Gentleman' exemplify metafictional elements?
  • 'The Life and Opinions of Tristram Shandy, Gentleman' exemplifies metafiction through its playful use of digression and non-linear storytelling. Sterne frequently interrupts the narrative with authorial asides that reflect on writing and reading, drawing attention to the act of narration itself. This self-awareness allows Sterne to critique literary conventions and engage with readers about their expectations, ultimately redefining what a novel can be.
• Evaluate how metafiction influences reader perception and interpretation in literature.
  • Metafiction influences reader perception and interpretation by actively involving them in the narrative process. By drawing attention to its own artifice, metafiction encourages readers to question not just the events in the story but also the reliability of its narrator and the authenticity of its themes. This layered approach enriches the reading experience, fostering a critical awareness of how stories are constructed while highlighting the complexity of human experience as reflected in literature.

Related terms

narrative frame: A narrative frame is a story within a story, often used to provide context or set the stage for the main narrative.

intertextuality: Intertextuality refers to the relationship between texts and how they reference or influence each other, often enriching the meaning of the work.

unreliable narrator: An unreliable narrator is a character who tells a story in a way that is misleading or biased, challenging readers to question the truth of the narrative.