This section contains 1,142 words (approx. 4 pages at 300 words per page) |
The Fine Line between Fantasy and Reality
Summary: It is a brief analytical look at the aspects of metafiction in a short story by Bierce.
Metafiction is a term given to fictional writing which self-consciously and systematically draws attention to its status as an artifact in order to pose questions about the relationship between fiction and reality (Waugh 2). Metafiction is a term used loosely across many genres of fictions. Using metafiction, to describe a works allows usage along a full spectrum of ideas. From this concept, many short stories, and other works of fiction have been produced. Authors like Ambrose Bierce, an innovator of experimental fiction, are highly criticized for taking on projects using this writing style. In one of his most famous works, "An Occurrence at Owl Creek Bridge," Bierce developed a trademark for comparison in the metafiction genre. In the words of literary critic, Cathy Davidson, "Bierce has staked his claim as `the precursor of postmodern fiction.'" Bierce's short story creates intense drama in a small amount of space, leaving...
This section contains 1,142 words (approx. 4 pages at 300 words per page) |