Term/Concept Definition Effect
Fragmentation Breaking up a narrative or Creates a sense of
text into disconnected parts disorientation, reflects
or non-linear elements. complex or fractured
realities, encourages active
interpretation.
Metafiction and self Fiction that emphasises its Highlights the artificial
reflexivity own structure, process, or nature of storytelling,
nature, often by referencing engages readers critically,
its own fictionality. and questions narrative
reliability
Pastiche A work that imitates the style Blurs the line between
or elements of one or more originality and imitation,
other works, often as a creates nostalgia or
homage. homage, and celebrates
other texts.
Hybridity The mixing of different Challenges traditional
genres, styles, cultures, or boundaries, reflects
languages within a single multiculturalism, and can
create layered meanings
text.
Palimpsest A manuscript or piece of Shows the persistence of
writing material on which the past, encourages
later writing has been layered interpretations, and
superimposed on removed
highlights evolving
earlier writing.
narratives.
Subversion Intentionally undermining Challenges authority,
established norms, exposes biases, provokes
expectations, or conventions critical thought, and can
within a text.
offer alternative
perspectives.
Intertextuality The shaping of a text’s Creates richer meanings,
meaning by referencing or connects texts across time
including elements from and space, and fosters
other texts. dialogue between works.
Mise-en-abyme A technique where an image Enhances thematic depth,
or story contains a smaller explores self-referential
version of itself, creating ideas, and often symbolises
infinite reflection. recursion or introspection.
Parody An imitation of a work or Critiques or highlights
style that exaggerates aspects of the original,
certain elements for entertains, and can expose
comedic or critical effect. absurdities or contradictions.
‘Death of the author’ A theory by Roland Barthes Empowers readers to
suggesting that an author's interpret texts
intentions or biography independently, focuses on
should not dictate a text’s textual analysis, and
interpretation. decentralised authority.
