Embedded narrative

An embedded narrative is a "story within a story," contained within a framing narrative.

Definition

Contained within a framing narrative, an embedded narrative hinges contextually on the framing narrative, while typically becoming the bulk of the story itself. In other words, the embedded narrative usually comprises the majority of the text, while the framing narrative occupies just the first and last few pages.

Examples

• James, Henry. The Turn of the Screw.
• Shakespeare, William. Romeo and Juliet.

Critical Debates

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Related Terms

narrative, framing narrative, antinarrative

References

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