Self-reflexivity

Definition

Self-reflexivity refers to the practice of reflecting on oneself or on the act of creation, often seen in modern and postmodern art, literature, and theatre. It invites the audience to engage critically with the work by revealing its own constructed nature, thus encouraging an awareness of how meaning is generated. This quality is essential in understanding the evolution of artistic expression from modernism, which sought to break away from traditional forms, to postmodernism, where questioning the very nature of representation became central.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Self-reflexivity emerged as a key concept in modernist works, where artists began to question traditional narratives and forms.
2. In postmodern theatre, self-reflexivity often involves breaking the fourth wall, directly addressing the audience to highlight the artificiality of performance.
3. This technique encourages viewers to consider not just the content of the work but also its form and construction, prompting deeper engagement.
4. Self-reflexive works may employ humor or absurdity to emphasize their commentary on the nature of representation and reality.
5. The use of self-reflexivity can be seen as a response to the fragmentation and complexity of contemporary life, mirroring societal changes.

Review Questions

• How does self-reflexivity contribute to the viewer's understanding of a modernist or postmodernist work?
  • Self-reflexivity enhances a viewer's understanding by prompting them to recognize the constructed nature of the work itself. In modernist pieces, it allows for a critique of traditional narratives, while in postmodern works, it encourages a playful questioning of reality. This critical engagement helps audiences appreciate the complexities and layers within artistic expressions.
• Discuss how self-reflexivity manifests in both modernist and postmodernist theatre practices.
  • In modernist theatre, self-reflexivity often appears through innovative structures and techniques that challenge conventional storytelling. In contrast, postmodernist theatre takes this further by directly confronting the audience and acknowledging its own theatricality. This interplay creates a dialogue about authenticity and representation while reflecting broader societal uncertainties.
• Evaluate the impact of self-reflexivity on the evolution of narrative forms from modernism to postmodernism.
  • The evolution from modernism to postmodernism illustrates a significant shift in narrative forms influenced by self-reflexivity. Modernism's focus was primarily on breaking away from tradition towards innovation in form. Postmodernism, however, embraces self-reflexivity as a means to question not just how stories are told but also what they signify. This shift fosters an environment where narratives can be fragmented and multi-layered, reflecting the complexities of contemporary existence.

Related terms

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

Intertextuality: The relationship between texts, where one text references or incorporates elements from another, creating a dialogue between them.

Postmodernism:

An artistic and cultural movement characterized by skepticism toward grand narratives and an emphasis on irony, playfulness, and self-awareness.