Entity: FLASHBACK
A flashback is a narrative device used in literature, film, and other forms of storytelling to transition to an earlier time, interrupting the chronological order of events to provide context or background information.
FLASHBACK
Etymology
The term 'flashback' originated from the combination of 'flash' meaning sudden and 'back' indicating a return to a previous point in time.
Definition
A flashback is a narrative device in literature, film, and other storytelling mediums where an earlier event is inserted into the normal chronological order of a narrative to provide context or background information.
Historical Context
The use of flashbacks dates back to ancient literature but gained popularity in the 19th and 20th centuries with the rise of modernist and postmodernist storytelling techniques.
Cultural Significance
Flashbacks are widely used in various forms of media to deepen character development, reveal plot twists, and engage audiences by providing a deeper understanding of the narrative.
Related Concepts
Other narrative devices related to flashbacks include foreshadowing, flash-forwards, and non-linear storytelling.
See Also
- Foreshadowing
- Non-linear storytelling
- Flash-forward
A narrative device in literature, film, and other storytelling mediums where an earlier event is inserted into the normal chronological order of a narrative to provide context or background information.