Framing Devices

Definition

Framing devices are narrative techniques that set the stage for a story within a story, providing context, perspective, or commentary. They often involve an outer narrative that encases an inner narrative, creating layers of meaning and adding depth to the characters and events presented. This technique helps to establish a unique viewpoint and can influence how readers interpret the themes and messages conveyed by the inner story.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Framing devices often help create a more complex narrative structure by introducing multiple layers of storytelling.
2. They can provide crucial context about characters' motivations and background, enriching the reader's understanding of the main narrative.
3. Common examples of framing devices include prologues, epilogues, or even characters telling stories within the main storyline.
4. Framing devices can impact the emotional engagement of readers by establishing connections between different narratives and themes.
5. The use of framing devices became increasingly popular in early novels as authors sought to experiment with narrative techniques and explore different perspectives.

Review Questions

• How do framing devices enhance the complexity of narratives in early novels?
  • Framing devices enhance complexity by creating layers within the narrative that allow for multiple perspectives and interpretations. For example, when a character recounts their experiences within an outer story, it offers insight into their motivations and emotions while also inviting readers to consider how these experiences relate to the broader themes of the work. This technique deepens engagement and encourages readers to analyze how the framing context influences their understanding of the inner story.
• Discuss how a specific early novel uses framing devices to convey its themes and character development.
  • In 'Frankenstein' by Mary Shelley, the novel employs framing devices through the letters written by Robert Walton, which frame Victor Frankenstein's tragic tale. This outer narrative not only sets up the inner story but also reflects Walton's ambitions and his quest for knowledge. The juxtaposition between Walton's initial admiration for Frankenstein's genius and his later horror at its consequences underscores key themes such as ambition, isolation, and the dangers of unchecked scientific exploration.
• Evaluate the significance of framing devices in shaping readers' interpretations of themes in early novels compared to contemporary literature.
  • Framing devices play a crucial role in shaping reader interpretations by establishing a context that influences how themes are perceived. In early novels, these devices often created a sense of distance between readers and events, prompting reflection on moral implications and societal critiques. In contrast, contemporary literature may use more direct narratives that engage readers immediately. Analyzing this evolution highlights changes in literary styles and reader expectations over time, revealing how storytelling techniques adapt to cultural shifts.

Related terms

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

Narrative Perspective: The viewpoint from which a story is told, which can shape the reader's understanding of characters and events.

Embedded Narrative: A story that is nested within another narrative, often providing background or alternative viewpoints on the main storyline.