Kerettörténet

Kerettörténet, often translated as "frame story" or "story within a story," is a literary device where a primary narrative serves as a frame or context for a secondary narrative or collection of narratives. The main story provides a structure or reason for the existence of the embedded tales, which can be presented through various means such as oral recounting, discovered manuscripts, or dreams. This technique allows authors to explore multiple themes, perspectives, or genres within a single work.

The primary function of a kerettörténet is to introduce and lend credibility or interest to the inner stories. It can also serve to develop characters in the outer narrative, as their reactions to or engagement with the inner tales reveal their personalities and motivations. Furthermore, the frame story can create a sense of mystery, suspense, or universality by connecting disparate narratives under a common umbrella. Examples of this device can be found throughout literary history, from ancient texts like the One Thousand and One Nights, where Scheherazade tells stories to save her life, to more modern works that employ similar narrative structures to explore complex ideas or create a layered reading experience. The effectiveness of a kerettörténet often depends on the seamless integration of the frame and the embedded narratives, ensuring that both contribute meaningfully to the overall impact of the literary work.