Intertextuality

Definition

Intertextuality is the relationship between texts, where one text references or is influenced by another, creating layers of meaning. This concept highlights how literature is not created in a vacuum but is instead shaped by existing works and cultural contexts. Intertextuality can take many forms, including allusions, quotations, and stylistic elements that connect different texts.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Intertextuality was coined by literary theorist Julia Kristeva in the 1960s, building on Mikhail Bakhtin's ideas about dialogism in literature.
2. In the context of the Alliterative Revival, intertextuality can be seen in how poets drew upon traditional forms and themes from earlier Anglo-Saxon poetry while adapting them to their own styles.
3. Chaucer’s works exhibit intertextuality through his use of characters and narratives from classical literature and other contemporary sources, enriching the texture of his storytelling.
4. Understanding intertextuality allows readers to uncover deeper meanings in texts as they recognize references and influences from other works.
5. Intertextuality encourages a conversation between texts across time and space, revealing the interconnectedness of literary traditions and cultural discourse.

Review Questions

• How does intertextuality enhance the reading experience of works from the Alliterative Revival?
  • Intertextuality enhances the reading experience by allowing readers to recognize familiar themes and stylistic elements from earlier Anglo-Saxon poetry within the Alliterative Revival. By referencing previous works, poets can create a richer tapestry of meaning that resonates with readers familiar with those earlier texts. This connection not only deepens appreciation for the new works but also underscores the evolution of poetic form and cultural expression during this period.
• Discuss how Chaucer employs intertextuality in his writing to engage with classical literature.
  • Chaucer frequently employs intertextuality by incorporating characters, themes, and narratives from classical literature into his own stories. For instance, he draws on the works of Ovid and Boccaccio, weaving their ideas into his narratives while adapting them to reflect contemporary society. This not only enriches his storytelling but also situates his work within a broader literary tradition, allowing him to comment on both past and present social issues.
• Evaluate the role of intertextuality in shaping the poetic techniques used by Chaucer and other poets of the time.
  • Intertextuality plays a significant role in shaping the poetic techniques used by Chaucer and his contemporaries by fostering an environment where poets feel free to reference and reinterpret existing works. This practice allows for innovation within established forms while providing a platform for dialogue among texts. As poets engage with each other's ideas through allusion and adaptation, they contribute to a dynamic literary landscape that reflects the complexities of their cultural contexts and enriches their artistic expression.

Related terms

Allusion: A brief and indirect reference to a person, place, thing, or idea of historical, cultural, literary, or political significance.

Parody: A humorous or satirical imitation of a particular writer, genre, or style that exaggerates features to produce a comic effect.

Pastiche: A work of art that imitates the style of another work, often as a celebration rather than a critique.