Frame story definitions
| Word backwards | emarf yrots |
|---|---|
| Part of speech | Noun |
| Syllabic division | frame sto-ry |
| Plural | The plural of the word "frame story" is "frame stories." |
| Total letters | 10 |
| Vogais (3) | a,e,o |
| Consonants (6) | f,r,m,s,t,y |
A frame story, also known as a frame tale or frame narrative, is a literary device used to present a series of shorter stories within the context of a larger narrative. This larger narrative serves as the "frame" that frames the individual stories, providing a structure for the overall work.
Structure of a Frame Story
In a frame story, the main narrative serves as a kind of outer framework or container for the individual stories that are embedded within it. The frame story usually sets the stage for the inner stories, providing context, background information, or a reason for the storytelling. The inner stories may be narrated by characters within the main narrative, creating a nested structure that adds depth and complexity to the work.
Purpose of a Frame Story
Frame stories serve several purposes in literature. They can provide a unifying structure for a collection of disparate tales, tying them together thematically or through shared characters or settings. Frame stories can also create a sense of depth and richness, as multiple layers of narrative unfold within the work. Additionally, frame stories can offer commentary on the nature of storytelling itself, inviting readers to consider the relationship between fiction and reality.
Examples of Frame Stories
One of the most famous examples of a frame story is "The Canterbury Tales" by Geoffrey Chaucer. In this work, a group of pilgrims traveling to Canterbury take turns telling stories to pass the time, with each tale reflecting the personality and perspective of the storyteller. Another classic example is "One Thousand and One Nights," a collection of Middle Eastern folk tales woven together within the frame of Scheherazade's storytelling as a means of saving her own life.
Frame stories continue to be a popular narrative device in contemporary literature and media, as they allow writers to explore multiple perspectives, themes, and genres within a single work. Whether used to create a sense of unity, offer commentary on storytelling, or simply entertain and engage readers, frame stories remain a versatile and effective storytelling technique.
Frame story Examples
- The classic novel "Wuthering Heights" by Emily Bronte uses a frame story where the main narrative is presented as a series of stories told to a visitor.
- The movie "Forrest Gump" employs a frame story where the main character narrates his life story while sitting at a bus stop.
- In "The Princess Bride," the frame story involves a grandfather reading a fairytale to his sick grandson.
- The TV show "How I Met Your Mother" uses a frame story where the main character narrates the story of how he met his wife to his children in the future.
- One Thousand and One Nights is a collection of Middle Eastern folk tales nested within a frame story of a woman telling stories to postpone her execution.
- The Canterbury Tales by Geoffrey Chaucer is a collection of stories told by pilgrims on their way to Canterbury Cathedral, framed by a prologue where the characters are introduced.
- The novel "Frankenstein" by Mary Shelley is structured as a frame story where the main narrative is presented as a series of letters written by different characters.
- The TV show "Arrested Development" often uses a frame story where Ron Howard serves as the narrator, commenting on the events taking place.
- "Inception" is a movie with a complex frame story where dreams within dreams are used to convey multiple layers of reality.
- The play "A Doll's House" by Henrik Ibsen features a frame story where the main character Nora is revealed to be a doll trapped in her husband's house.