Intertextuality

How Do We Explore Intertextuality?

Intertextuality invites us to consider how texts respond to one another. This is done by comparing different texts and seeing how they develop across the same or different genres and time periods. By understanding how this happens, we get a deeper appreciation for the unique characteristics of a particular text as well as the complex systems to which all texts belong.

What Questions does this AOE Ask?

  1. How do texts follow or move away from conventions associated with literary forms or text types?

  2. How do the conventions of different types of texts develop over time?

  3. What can diverse texts have in common?

  4. How useful is it to describe a work as 'classic'?

  5. How can different texts offer different perspectives on a topic or theme?

  6. How can comparing and interpreting texts transform readers?

Key Terms

Tropes
Pastiche
Parody
Genre
Adhere
Deviate
Subvert

Exploring Intertextuality Further

You can use the resources below to develop your understanding of intertextuality and the ways in which it operates in art and media. Use the focusing questions to ensure that you're getting the most out of the materials.

Intertextuality: Hollywood's New Currency (NerdWriter)

Focusing Questions

  1. How does the author define intertextuality?

  2. Why does the writer think that intertextuality is unavoidable?

  3. What is weaponized intertextuality?

Stranger Things And Intertextuality
(Just Write)

Focusing Questions

  1. What's the difference between parody and pastiche?

  2. What is the anxiety of influence?

  3. Does the author believe that intertextuality is a positive or negative aspect of the show Stranger Things?

Other Interesting Resources

YouTube Channel: The Take

This YouTube channel analyzes the ways that different tropes are developed over time. Each one of the videos is an opportunity to consider how texts communicate with one another.