Framing device

Definition

A framing device is a narrative technique that serves as a structure to set the context for the main story or stories within a work. It typically involves an introductory and concluding component that surrounds the central narrative, creating a frame that helps guide the audience's understanding and interpretation of the events or themes presented.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. In 'Metamorphoses', Ovid uses a framing device by presenting transformation stories within the context of a larger narrative about change and the nature of the gods.
2. The framing device helps create a cohesive structure that connects various myths and legends, emphasizing recurring themes such as transformation, love, and loss.
3. Ovid’s use of a framing device allows for shifts in tone and perspective, enhancing the reader's engagement with different characters and their stories.
4. By establishing a frame, Ovid guides readers to reflect on how individual transformations relate to broader human experiences and divine influences.
5. The narrative begins with the creation of the world and concludes with a reflection on humanity's place within it, showcasing the cyclical nature of change and existence.

Review Questions

• How does the framing device in 'Metamorphoses' contribute to the overall themes presented in the text?
  • The framing device in 'Metamorphoses' enhances themes such as transformation and the relationship between humans and gods. By providing a structured beginning and end around various myths, Ovid invites readers to consider how these transformations reflect larger truths about existence. This technique creates coherence among disparate stories, emphasizing that change is an intrinsic aspect of life influenced by divine powers.
• Discuss how Ovid's choice of framing device influences the reader's interpretation of individual narratives within 'Metamorphoses'.
  • Ovid’s choice of a framing device allows each individual narrative to resonate within a larger context, prompting readers to draw connections between different transformations. The interwoven stories gain depth as they are perceived not just as isolated myths but as part of an overarching commentary on life and change. This structure encourages readers to engage critically with each story while recognizing common themes and moral lessons throughout the collection.
• Evaluate the effectiveness of Ovid's use of a framing device in shaping the reader’s understanding of metamorphosis as a central concept in 'Metamorphoses'.
  • Ovid's use of a framing device is highly effective in shaping understanding of metamorphosis by situating individual stories within a broader exploration of transformation. It underscores metamorphosis as both a physical and metaphorical theme, allowing readers to appreciate its complexity across various contexts. This narrative strategy not only enhances engagement but also prompts deeper reflection on identity, continuity, and change, making metamorphosis not just an event but a pervasive force in human experience.

Related terms

metafiction: A style of writing that self-consciously addresses the devices of fiction, blurring the boundary between reality and fiction.

narrative structure: The organized way in which a story is presented, including the sequence of events and how they are arranged to create meaning.

frame narrative: A specific type of framing device where a main narrative is presented through one or more secondary narratives, often leading to a more complex storytelling experience.