Elements of Postmodern Literature

Treating serious or depressing subjects in a lighthearted or humorous manner.

The relationship between one text and another. Often a reference or parallel to another literary work, an extended discussion of a work, or the adoption of a style.

To combine or “paste” together multiple literary elements such a narrative structure, genre, style, etc.

Writing about writing.

A rejection of realism which embraces the notion that literature is a created work and not bound by notions of reality.

A specific type of metafiction in which the story is about the process of creation.

Works that fictionalize actual historical events or figures.

The fragmentation or interruption of the chronology of a story.

A literary work marked by the use of still, sharply defined, smoothly painted images of figures and objects depicted in a surrealistic manner; themes and subjects are often imaginary, somewhat outlandish and fantastic and with a certain dream-like quality.

The idea that society has moved into the information age, simulations have begun to replace reality, and technology has become the central focus in our lives.

The belief that there is an ordering system behind the chaos of reality.

A style of narrative that is appropriate to exactly what it depicts and represents.

A style of narrative that offers minimal detail to allow the reader to participate in the creation of the story.