'What is a Frame Story?': A Literary Guide for English Students and Teachers

What is a frame story in literature? What are some examples of frame narratives, and how should we read them? Professor Raymond Malewitz answers these questions using examples from One Thousand and One Nights, The Princess Bride, and everyday life.

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Timestamps
0:00 Frame Story Definition and Simple Example
1:35 Useful Questions for Frame Stories
3:20 Frame Story Examples and Interpretations
6:20 Conclusions

Below are a few more videos in the series. Please drop us a comment letting us know what literary terms you would like us to explore in future videos!

[Khatoon]

Frame story is narrative that frames or surrounds another story or set of stories . Example Chaucer Canterbury tales . Many framestories begin with theme introduced first act . Literary technique of frame story is introductory narrative is presented for purpose of setting stage for more emphasize, on narrative or set of shorter stories . Thank you for your educational channel.

[dianea]

Thank you for the great content and opportunity to learn. This was a great video.

[minty_macaron]

Thank you so much! I’m a freshman at a very hard school (compared to the rest in our area)m and this really helped me! Thank you!

[maryangalunsina]

This reminds me of Exhalation by Ted Chiang, a collection of short stories.

[Joy-ykpw]

Frame stories also remind me of Geoffrey Chaucer's The Canterbury Tales.

[marwanalshater]

Hi... You speak fast than Bolt😂... But I like The movie example😊😊 ... More and more thanks ✌️😊🌸🌼

[SWLF]

If you liked this video, let us know by dropping us a comment on your favorite example of a frame story! Doing so will help us to build a rich digital learning environment around this important topic in literature.