Metatekst

Metatekst, or meta-text, is a term used in literary theory to describe text that comments on, reflects upon, or draws attention to the act of writing, reading, or interpreting the primary text. It encompasses self-reflexive devices that make the construction of the work itself a subject of attention, rather than presenting a seamless narrative or argument as if it were transparent. Metatekst can appear inside the main text, through narrators, characters, or dialogue that discuss authorship, genre, or reality; or it can appear as surrounding commentary, footnotes, forewords, or other paratextual elements that foreground questions about meaning and reception.

Forms and functions: Metatekst often takes the form of metafiction, where a work openly acknowledges its fictionality and invites scrutiny of narrative conventions. It can also involve explicit authorial or narratorial commentary, unreliable narration, or scenes that question the reliability of the narration or the terms of storytelling. By foregrounding process, intention, or interpretation, metatekst invites readers to analyze how meaning is produced rather than passively absorbed.

Relation to other concepts: Metatekst is related to but distinct from paratext, which refers to the ancillary materials surrounding a text (such as titles, prefaces, dedications, and cover art). Metatekst centers on the internal or self-referential examination of the text as a constructed artifact, often bridging literary theory and creative technique. It is commonly discussed alongside metafiction and metanarrative as ways to articulate how texts position readers and interpretive authority.

Notable examples and usage: Classic metafictional works include Vladimir Nabokov’s Pale Fire and Italo Calvino’s If on a winter’s night a traveler, both of which foreground reading and writing as explicit concerns. Contemporary examples span novels, film, and digital media that repeatedly draw attention to their own status as texts.