Intertextuality: Definition, Examples & Types (2023)

To understand intertextuality, think about the different types of references to series, songs or memes that you can make in everyday conversations. Literary intertextuality is quite similar to this, except that it is usually limited to more literary references.

intertextual origins

The term intertextuality has now been expanded to include all types of interrelated media. Originally, it was used specifically for literary texts, and the theory is generally accepted to have its origins in early 20th-century linguistics.

The word intertextual was coined in the 1960s byJulia Kristevain his analysis of Bakhtin's concepts of Dialogism and Carnival. The term is derived from the Latin word 'intertext', which translates as'mix while weaving'.she thought thatall texts were 'talking' to other texts, and could not be fully read or understood without an understanding of their interrelationship.

Since then, intertextuality has become a basic feature of bothpost-modernwork and analysis. It is worth noting that the practice of creating intertextuality has been around for much longer than the more recently developed theory of intertextuality.

Definition of intertextuality

Basically, literary intertextuality is when a text refers to other texts or to its cultural environment. The term also implies that texts do not exist without context. As well as being a theoretical way of reading or interpreting texts, in practice, linking or referencing other texts also adds additional layers of meaning. it iscreated by the authorreferencesIt can be deliberate, accidental, direct (like a quote) or indirect (like a quote).allusion).

Another way of looking at intertextuality is to see nothing as unique or original anymore. If all texts are made up of prior or co-existing contexts, ideas, or texts, are any texts original?

Intertextuality seems such a useful term because it highlights the notions of relationality, interconnectedness and interdependence in modern cultural life. In the postmodern era, theorists often claim, it is no longer possible to speak of the originality or uniqueness of the art object, be it a painting ornovel, as each art object is clearly assembled from fragments and pieces of art that already exist. - Graham Allen, Intertextuality¹

Do you think that no text can be original anymore? Is everything made from existing ideas or works?

Purpose of intertextuality

An author or poet may deliberately use intertextuality for several reasons. They would likely choose different ways of highlighting intertextuality depending on their intent. They can use references directly or indirectly. They can use a reference to create additional layers of meaning or emphasize or place their work within a specific framework.

A writer can also use a reference to create humor, highlight an inspiration, or even create a reinterpretation of existing work. The reasons for and ways of using intertextuality are so varied that it is worth looking at each example to establish why and how the method was used.

Types and examples of intertextuality

There are some levels of potential intertextuality. To begin with, there are three main types:obligatory, optional and accidental.These types deal with the importance, intent, or lack of intent behind the relationship, so they are a good starting point.

obligatory intertextuality

It is when an author or poet deliberately references another text in his or her work. This can be done in several ways and for several reasons, which we will see. The author intends to make external references and intends for the reader to understand something about the work he is reading as a result. This usually happens when the reader picks up the reference and understands the other work being referenced. This creates intentional layers of meaning that are lost unless the reader is familiar with the other text.

Mandatory intertextuality: examples

Without any knowledge of the original work being referenced, the reader's ability to understand Stoppard's work would not be possible. Although Stoppard's title is a line taken directly fromvillage, it istoquetake a different lookvillage, inviting alternative interpretations of the original text.

Do you think a reader could read and appreciate Stoppard's work?toquesem ter lido Hamlet?

optional intertextuality

Optional intertextuality is a smoother type of interrelationship. In this case, an author or poet can allude to another text to create anothernonessential layer of meaning. If the reader captures the reference and knows the other text, he can contribute to its understanding. The important thing is that the reference is not essential for the reader to understand the text read.

Optional intertextuality: examples

a JK Rowlingharry potterseries (1997-2007)subtlety alludes to J.R.R. Tolkien Lord of the Ringsseries (1954-1955).There are several parallels between the young male protagonists, their group of friends who help them achieve their goals, and their old mage mentor. Rowling also references J.M. Barrie. Peter Pan(1911),both inthematic, characters and some lines.

The main difference is that it is possible to read, understand and appreciate theharry potterseries without ever having read J.R.R. Tolkien orJ. M. Barryit works on everything. Oallusionit just adds additional but non-essential meaning, so the layer of meaning adds to, rather than creates, the reader's understanding.

Do you pick up obscure references in everyday conversation that change or add to the meaning of what was said? Can people who don't understand the reference understand the conversation in general? How is this similar to types of literary intertextuality?

accidental intertextuality

This third type of intertextuality occurs when a reader makes a connection that theauthor orthe poet did not intend to do. This can happen when a reader has knowledge of texts that the author may not have, or even when a reader bonds with a particular culture or personal experience.

Accidental Intertextuality: Examples

These can take almost any form, so the examples are endless and depend on the reader and their interaction with the text. a person readingdick moby (1851) can draw parallels with the biblical story of Jonah and the whale (another story of the man and the whale). Herman Melville's intention was probably not to linkdick mobyto this specific Bible story.

contrast thedick mobyexample withJohn Steinbeckfromis from Eden(1952), which is a clear and direct binding reference to the biblical story of Cain and Abel. In Steinbeck's case, the link was deliberate and also necessary to fully understand hisnovel.

Do you find that drawing your own parallels or interpretations increases your enjoyment or understanding of a text?

Types of intertextual texts

In intertextuality, there are two main types of text, hypertext and hypotext.

Hypertext is the text that the reader is reading. So, for example, this could be from Tom Stoppard. Rosencrantz and Guildenstern are dead. The hypotext is the text being referenced, so in this example it would beWilliam Shakespearefromvillage.

Do you see how the relationship between hypotext and hypertext depends on the type of intertextuality?

intertextual figures

Generally, there are 7 different figures or devices that are used to create intertextuality. These areallusioncitation, tracing, plagiarism, translation,pastiche, youparody. Devices create a range of options covering intent, meaning, and how direct or indirect the intertextuality is.

^1.graham allan,Intertextuality, Routledge, (2000).