ABSTRACT
When the subject of a discourse is language, we sometimes say that the discourse is metalinguistic. Similarly, when the subject of a discourse is
narrative, we may say that the discourse is meta-narrative. According to this very general definition of the term, there are many kinds of discourse which may be metanarrative: a philosophical essay on the ontology of narration, for instance, a history of the Russian novel, or the present study. Obviously, a verbal narrative itself may be metanarrative: a given tale may refer to other tales; it may comment on narrators and narratees; or it may discuss the act of narration. Just as obviously, a particular narrative may refer to itself and to those elements by which it is constituted and communicated. Consider the following, for example:
(47) There was in all this, as may have been observed, one personage concerned, of whom, notwithstanding his precarious position, we have appeared to take but very little notice; this personage in M. Bonacieux, the respectable martyr of the political and amorous intrigues which entangled themselves so nicely together at this gallant and chivalric period. Fortunately, the reader may remember, or may not remember, fortunately, that we promised not to lose sight of him.
