Text-within-a-Text

A literary device in which one story is told during the action of another story Can be used in novels, short stories, plays, films, etc.

The inner story usually has psychological/symbolic significance for the characters in the outer story.

There is usually a parallel between the two: the fiction of the inner story is used to reveal a truth in the outer story.

The inner story can be used to express views about the outer story and also the real world.

It may disclose the background of characters or events or tell of myths and legends which influence the plot.

It can serve as an outlet for discarded ideas that the author deems too important to leave out completely. 

Example In Spider-Man 2, a scene from a production of The Importance of Being Earnest is shown.

The Importance of Being Earnest In the play, two characters lead double lives: both pretend to be a man named Ernest. MJ, as a character in the play (Cecily), delivers a line that strikes Peter deeply.

“I hope you have not been leading a double life, pretending to be wicked and being really good all the time. That would be hypocrisy.” MJ as Cecily

Think about a time when you did a presentation of any kind (e. g Think about a time when you did a presentation of any kind (e.g., a play, song or dance). Reflection

What does the presentation say about the greater show that is your life? Quote lines from the text of the presentation that help tell your story. Write your answer on a Size 4. Submit your work at the end of the period.