Which term refers to: "A narrative technique that involves a backward shift in the chronology of the story, where the plot jumps to an earlier time in the character's life."
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Correct answer: A
Explanation
Correct Answer
Analepsis
Explanation
Analepsis is the formal literary and critical term for a flashback. It describes a narrative technique where the chronological order of a story is interrupted to insert past events or scenes from a character's life.
Analepsis: Represents a backward shift in time (Present → Past).
Prolepsis: Represents a forward shift in time (Present} → Future), commonly known as a flash-forward.
Foreshadowing: A device used to drop subtle hints about future events without physically breaking the current timeline.
Flashback: The colloquial and common synonym for analepsis, though analepsis remains the preferred technical designation in formal literary analysis.
Key Points
Origin: Derived from the Greek word meaning "the act of taking up again."
Function: Provides necessary background context, backstory, or internal motivation for characters in a plot.