Frame narrative

Definition

A frame narrative is a storytelling technique where a main narrative sets the stage for one or more smaller stories within it, often providing context or commentary on the embedded tales. This structure allows for multiple perspectives and voices, enhancing the overall meaning and depth of the work.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Chaucer's 'The Canterbury Tales' uses a frame narrative to connect the diverse stories told by pilgrims traveling to Canterbury, creating a rich tapestry of voices and experiences.
2. The frame narrative in 'The Canterbury Tales' allows Chaucer to comment on social issues and character traits through the interactions and storytelling of the pilgrims.
3. This storytelling technique was innovative for its time, as it combined elements of both poetry and prose, making literature more accessible to a broader audience.
4. By employing a frame narrative, Chaucer is able to explore various genres and styles within his tales, reflecting the complexity of medieval society.
5. The use of a pilgrimage as the framing device serves both a literal and metaphorical purpose, representing a journey not only through space but also through ideas and human experiences.

Review Questions

• How does Chaucer's use of frame narrative in 'The Canterbury Tales' enhance the characterization of the pilgrims?
  • Chaucer's frame narrative allows each pilgrim to share their own story, which reveals their individual personalities, social backgrounds, and moral values. The interactions between characters before and after their tales create a rich context that deepens our understanding of each character. This approach not only highlights their unique traits but also provides social commentary on the various classes and roles within medieval society.
• Analyze how the frame narrative structure in 'The Canterbury Tales' reflects the diversity of medieval literary genres.
  • The frame narrative in 'The Canterbury Tales' showcases Chaucer's ability to incorporate various genres such as romance, fabliau, and allegory within a single work. Each tale told by the pilgrims adheres to different literary conventions, reflecting the wide-ranging influences of medieval literature. This diversity highlights Chaucer's innovative approach and positions him as a pivotal figure in the evolution of English literature during his time.
• Evaluate the significance of pilgrimage as a framing device in 'The Canterbury Tales' and its broader implications in literature.
  • The pilgrimage serves as a powerful framing device that not only connects the individual stories but also symbolizes personal and spiritual journeys. It allows Chaucer to explore themes of morality, faith, and human experience while encouraging readers to consider their own life journeys. This literary technique has influenced countless writers since Chaucer's time, establishing a framework for future narratives that seek to intertwine multiple stories within a larger thematic exploration.

Related terms

Metafiction: A form of fiction that self-consciously addresses the devices of fiction, often blurring the boundary between fiction and reality.

Anthology: A collection of works, such as stories or poems, often grouped by theme or author, which may employ a frame narrative to connect the pieces.

Embedded narrative: A story within a story that serves to deepen themes or provide context to the overarching narrative.