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Frame story
01
a literary technique in which an introductory narrative serves as a frame for another story or a series of shorter stories
What is a "frame story"?
A frame story is a narrative technique where a main story is presented within the context of another, often separate, story. The primary story serves as a framework for including one or more additional stories or episodes. This method provides a structure for storytelling, often allowing different perspectives or tales to be interwoven. For example, a book might feature a character recounting various stories to others, with the recounting serving as the frame for each individual tale.
Example
Through the frame story, the author weaves together multiple layers of storytelling, enriching the narrative with layers of meaning and symbolism.
The frame story introduces a secondary narrator who serves as a conduit for the main narrative, offering insights and commentary on the events that transpire.
In the frame story, the protagonist recounts their adventures to a group of listeners, setting the stage for the larger narrative that unfolds within the story.
The frame story of the novel serves as a narrative device, framing the main plot with an overarching tale that provides context and perspective.
The frame story provides a meta-narrative framework that invites readers to reflect on the nature of storytelling itself, blurring the lines between fiction and reality.
