Metafiction
Definition and Overview
Metafiction is a form of literature that emphasizes its own constructedness in a way that continually reminds the reader to be aware that they are reading or viewing a fictional work. Metafiction is a narrative technique and a genre of fiction, where the author intentionally draws attention to the work's status as an artifact. It can be compared to presentational theatre, which continually reminds the audience that they are viewing a play.
History and Development
The concept of metafiction has been present in literature since the beginnings of the novel. Early works of metafiction include Laurence Sterne's Tristram Shandy and Miguel de Cervantes' Don Quixote. However, it wasn't until the 20th century that metafiction began to be defined as a distinct form of writing. The term itself was coined in the 1970s, during a resurgence of interest in the form.
Characteristics of Metafiction
Metafiction uses various techniques and methods to draw attention to itself as a work of art. These include direct address to the reader, self-reference, and overt commentary on the process of creating the story. It often involves paradox, as the narrative attempts to establish its fictionality and reality simultaneously. The use of metafiction in a work suggests that it operates on multiple levels of interpretation.
Types of Metafiction
There are several types of metafiction, each with its own unique characteristics. These include narrative metafiction, where the story is about the process of creating a story; historiographic metafiction, which combines historical facts with fiction; and ontological metafiction, which explores the reality of the characters and their world.
Metafiction in Various Media
While metafiction is most commonly associated with literature, it is also used in other forms of media. In film, metafiction often takes the form of characters acknowledging the presence of the audience or characters discussing the structure of the film they're in. In television, metafiction can take the form of characters breaking the fourth wall or episodes that comment on the nature of television itself.
Criticism and Controversy
Metafiction has been both praised and criticized by literary critics. Supporters argue that it helps to explore the nature of narrative and the relationship between fiction and reality. Critics, however, argue that it can be self-indulgent and may distract from the story itself.
Influence and Impact
Despite the controversy, metafiction has had a significant impact on literature and other forms of media. It has influenced a number of authors and filmmakers, and has led to the development of new narrative techniques.