Metafiction

Metafiction is a kind of fiction which self-consciously addresses the devices of fiction. It usually involves irony and is self-reflective. It can be compared to presentational theatre in a sense; presentational theatre does not let the audience forget they are viewing a play, and metafiction does not let the readers forget they are reading a work of fiction. Metafiction is primarily associated with postmodern literature but can be found at least as far back as Cervantes' Don Quixote and Chaucer's Canterbury Tales. It came to prominence in the early 60's through such authors as John Barth, Robert Coover, and William H. Gass. The classic examples from the time include: Barth's "Lost in the Funhouse", Coover's "The Babysitter" and "The Magic Poker", and Gass' Willie Master's Lonesome Wife.

See also

• List of metafictional texts
• Fourth wall