The Art of Frame Narrative: Definition, Purpose, and Notable Examples

Frame narrative is a literary device used by authors to tell multiple stories within a single narrative. This technique, utilized in literature, on stage, and on screen, adds intrigue and captivates readers. But what exactly is a frame narrative and how does it work? Let's delve deeper.

Understanding Frame Narrative

To better understand frame narrative, let's think of it as a painting hanging on a wall. The painting is framed, serving as an introduction to the artwork. Similarly, a frame narrative begins with a first narrator who introduces the reader to the story's world. This first narrator acts as the frame of a painting, while the main narrator(s) is the painting itself.

Just like a painting can have multiple subjects, a narrative can have multiple stories woven within it. In a frame narrative, the first narrator may introduce the story and then a second narrator takes over, creating a story within a story. This allows readers to see the story from different perspectives and adds depth to the overall narrative.

The Purpose of Frame Narrative

Also known as an embedded or sandwich narrative, frame narrative serves several purposes. It can help change the perspective of the reader by showing the story through the eyes of different characters. This adds energy and changes the pace of the narrative. Additionally, frame narrative provides context and background information to help readers better understand the main story.

Notable Examples of Frame Narrative

One of the earliest examples of frame narrative can be found in Homer's Odyssey. In this epic poem, the main narrator, Ulysses, tells the story of his adventures to King Alcinous as a way to entertain and win favor. This change in perspective from the author to a character within the story is a prime example of a frame narrative.

Frame narrative has also been utilized on stage, most notably in Shakespeare's Hamlet. The play features a troupe of actors performing within the play, giving Prince Hamlet the opportunity to direct them and send a message to his uncle, the king. Another Shakespeare play, The Taming of the Shrew, utilizes a play within a play as the main story, while the "frame" of the narrative is featured in the prologue scene.

A notable literary example of frame narrative is Mary Shelley's Frankenstein. The novel is told through a series of embedded stories within the main narrative. The first narrator, the sea explorer Walton, introduces the story by writing letters to his sister about rescuing a man on the frozen seas of the Antarctic. This man then tells his own story, which leads to the core narrative of the novel, until the reins are handed back to the sea explorer in the final chapter.

Study Tip: Identifying Narrators

When reading a frame narrative, it is important to keep track of the different narrators involved. In Frankenstein, for example, there are three distinct narrators: the sea explorer Walton, Frankenstein himself, and the monster. This adds complexity to the story and provides readers with multiple perspectives on the events.

In conclusion, frame narrative is a powerful literary device that allows authors to tell a story within a story. By shifting between different narrators, this technique adds depth and complexity to the narrative, making it a captivating read for audiences. With notable examples in classic works of literature, frame narrative is a technique that continues to intrigue and captivate readers to this day.

The Framing Technique in Literature: Adding Depth and Suspense to Stories

The use of a framing technique in literature is a common yet effective way for authors to captivate their readers. This technique not only adds suspense but also provides a unique perspective and allows for the slow reveal of crucial details. It has been used in many classic works of literature, including Henry James' The Turn of the Screw (1898) and Emily Bronte's Wuthering Heights (1847).

In The Turn of the Screw, the use of a frame narrative adds to the mystery and uncertainty of the story. The unnamed narrator hears the story from a fellow guest, who heard it from his deceased sister's governess. This creates a sense of distance and leaves the readers questioning the reliability of the narrators, adding to the haunting atmosphere of the book. The final reveal, told by the governess herself, leaves a chilling impact on the readers.

Wuthering Heights also employs a frame narrative, with the housekeeper, Nelly Dean, telling the story to the main narrator, Mr. Lockwood, while he is confined to bed due to illness. This allows for different perspectives and adds complexity to the narrative, providing a deeper understanding of the characters and their motivations.

Bram Stoker's Dracula (1897) is another noteworthy example, where the story is told through various characters' journals, diaries, and letters. This not only builds tension but also adds to the overall horror and suspense of the story. The use of a framing technique also allows for a more immersive experience for the readers as they see the story from different perspectives.

The frame narrative has been a popular literary device for many authors, not just in literature but also in other forms of media such as theater and film. It not only keeps the readers engaged and adds suspense, but also allows for creativity and the inclusion of important details that may not have been possible otherwise.

Framing is a crucial aspect of writing, as it involves carefully selecting words and structuring the narrative to create a specific effect on the reader. By utilizing a framing technique, authors can control the flow and pacing of the story, as well as add depth and nuance to the characters.

In conclusion, a frame narrative is a powerful tool that can enhance the reading experience by adding depth, complexity, and a new perspective to a story. Whether you are a writer or a reader, understanding the concept of framing can greatly enhance your understanding and appreciation of a story.