Framing Device

Definition

A framing device is a storytelling technique that sets the stage for a narrative, providing a context or perspective from which the main story is told. It acts like a 'frame' around the central narrative, often introducing characters or situations at the beginning and revisiting them at the end to create cohesion and depth. This technique helps establish a narrative structure that can enhance themes, character development, and emotional resonance.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Framing devices can take many forms, including a narrator's commentary, a character's perspective, or even a letter or journal entry that opens and closes the story.
2. They help create a sense of closure by bringing readers back to the beginning, reinforcing key themes and messages throughout the narrative.
3. In many stories, a framing device can alter how we perceive the main narrative by providing additional context or contrasting viewpoints.
4. Framing devices are especially effective in complex narratives with multiple timelines or perspectives, as they guide readers through intricate plots.
5. Common examples of framing devices include stories within stories, such as in 'The Princess Bride,' where the tale is presented through a grandfather reading to his grandson.

Review Questions

• How does a framing device enhance the reader's understanding of the main narrative?
  • A framing device enhances the reader's understanding by providing context that shapes how they interpret the central story. It can introduce themes and character motivations early on while revisiting them at the end to emphasize growth or change. This structure creates a cohesive reading experience and allows for deeper emotional connections as readers see how the framing elements relate to the core events of the narrative.
• In what ways can framing devices influence character development throughout a narrative?
  • Framing devices influence character development by establishing initial perceptions of characters and allowing for growth over time. For example, if a story begins with a character's reflection on past events, this framework can highlight their transformation throughout the plot. As readers encounter the same character in different contexts via the framing device, they gain insight into their motivations and conflicts, making their journey more impactful.
• Evaluate how effective use of framing devices can change the overall impact of a story's themes and messages.
  • Effective use of framing devices can significantly alter a story's thematic impact by guiding readers' interpretations and emotional responses. By strategically placing thematic elements in both the frame and main narrative, authors can create parallels that resonate more deeply with readers. For instance, contrasting perspectives introduced in a framing device can challenge readers' assumptions about morality or identity, leading to richer discussions around these themes long after they've finished reading.

Related terms

Prologue: An introductory section of a literary work that provides background information or sets the tone for the main narrative.

Epilogue: A concluding section of a literary work that reflects on the events of the main story and often reveals the fates of the characters.

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