ATLAS OF LANGUAGE

AT-NAV-G03-025 · ATLAS 259

Breaking the illusion

Breaking the illusion is a marked intervention that makes the constructed nature of a representation perceptible.

Part of the subject path Poetics, Narrative and Representation

Why is this entry in the Atlas?

F · Figure / procedure R1 · Distinct contribution to understanding

Breaking the illusion adds deliberate exposure of a representation's construction. Its boundary with estrangement and metalepsis must be determined through the device used in the particular case.

Colours and admission grounds

The rectangular label identifies the entry function: F – linguistic figure or procedure; A – analytical concept; G – foundational concept; E – selected concrete case. The rounded badge indicates the admission ground: R1 – distinctive contribution; R2 – necessary foundation; R3 – justified illustrative case. This editorial rationale explains the current selection rather than claiming an undocumented original selection history.

Explanation

Breaking the illusion is a marked intervention that makes the constructed nature of a representation perceptible. A narrator interrupts the plot to discuss how the next chapter should be selected. Distinguish metafiction, estrangement, direct audience address and accidental production error. An unnoticed camera error is not an intentional metafictional intervention merely because production caused it.

Movement of thought

1. Reconstruct the established illusion. 2. Locate the intervention. 3. Identify how constructedness becomes salient. 4. Compare intentional device and accidental error. 5. Assess reception without assuming estrangement.

Scientific use case

Narratology studies address, level shifts and effects on immersion in textual evidence.

Example

A narrator interrupts the plot to discuss how the next chapter should be selected.

Counterexample

An unnoticed camera error is not an intentional metafictional intervention merely because production caused it.

Distinction

Distinguish metafiction, estrangement, direct audience address and accidental production error.

Effect on thought and perception

Description can identify an intervention in an illusion without presuming its audience effect.

Resonance

A representation can show its own seams.

Provenance

Separate AI English review passed; final author file f69b81c80ae2de2a71d727c8a73448a9de4569250e40024fa9c9b714ccbcfa78

Cite this entry

Reich, Michael (Hrsg./ed.): „Breaking the illusion“. Atlas der Sprache, AT-NAV-G03-025. ATLAS 259, data model 1.6.0. https://atlasoflanguage.com/concept/AT-NAV-G03-025

https://atlasoflanguage.com/concept/AT-NAV-G03-025

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