intertextuality

American  

[in-ter-teks-choo-al-i-tee] / ˌɪn tərˌtɛks tʃuˈæl ɪ ti /

noun

1. the interrelationship between texts, especially works of literature; the way that similar or related texts influence, reflect, or differ from each other.

   the intertextuality between two novels with the same setting.

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Usage

What does intertextuality mean? Intertextuality refers to the way that works of art, especially literature, are related and influence each other. Text, in this context, most often refers to a work of literature, like a book or poem, but it can be any creative work, such as a film, song, painting, or speech. Intertextuality often involves things like the similarities and differences between two pieces, but it can also cover a broad range of relationships between different works. Intertextuality is primarily used in literary and cultural criticism and analysis. Example: In this class, we’ll examine the intertextuality between Hamlet and The Lion King.

Other Word Forms

Derived Forms

• intertextually
  adverb
• intertextual
  adjective

Etymology

Origin of intertextuality

1970–75; < French intertextualité < inter- inter- + textuel textual + -ité -ity

Example Sentences

Kristeva, the mother of intertextuality, has insisted that she never heard that “whimsical pseudonym” before her dossier came to light, and that may be the case.

From The New Yorker • Sep. 5, 2018

“Going for a Beer” presents the garden of intertextuality in Coover’s fictional universe.

From New York Times • Apr. 27, 2018

She put the problems down to a “lack of necessary diligence” in keeping track of her sources, and her practice of intertextuality.

From The Guardian • Sep. 9, 2017

William's interpretation shows how his assistant's dream was a dream of books, a dream of dreams, of a past and future inextricably mixed in imagination--a triumph of intertextuality.

From Los Angeles Times • Feb. 20, 2016

"Your dissertation on Joycean intertextuality is sick, bro."

From Slate • Nov. 20, 2013