CREATIVE WRITING

LESSON 3.
INTERTEXTUALITY IN
DRAMA
At the end of this lesson, the learners are
expected to:
1. define intertextuality in drama,
2. understand the significance of intertextuality
as a technique in drama
3. revise the previously composed draft of
drama applying the technique of intertextuality
 Intertextuality: Definition Unfold
By definition, intertextuality is the manner in which one text
influences another. This borrowing can be done by an author in
either direct or indirect manner.
Historically, it was in 1960s that a French Julia Kristeva made the
definition of intertextuality. Accordingly, it originated from the
Latin word intertexto which means “to intermingle while
weaving”. According to Kristeva, all literary outputs which are
created contemporarily are intertextual with the works that were
created before them.
On the other hand, Merriam-Webster dictionary defines
intertextuality as the “complex interrelationship between a text
and other texts taken as basic to the creation of interpretation of
the text”. Furthermore, the Glossary of Literary Terms written
by M.H. Abrams defines this technique as signifying multiple
ways in which any literary text is combined with other texts
through open or covert citations and allusions, as well as
repetitions and transformations of the formal and substantive
features of earlier texts.
For one to clearly identify intertextuality, it is
important that he or she has a wide knowledge
of varied texts. Basically, this is where the need
to read more and increase your bank of books,
poems, films and plays comes in.
There are two common ways in which a writer applies
intertextuality in his or her works. These are through:
➢ Implicit reference
- It happens when the writer refers to a different text
through the use of ideas, symbols, genre or style
➢ Explicit reference
- It happens when the writer mentions, quotes or cites
another text in his or her work in a direct manner.
 Types of Intertextuality
While intertextuality as a technique in drama is only
aimed at one thing – to produce and shape meaning, it
comes in various types with different characteristics.
1. Allusion
➢ Among the types of intertextuality, this is perhaps the
most common and effective technique. It refers to an
indirect reference in one text to another text, place,
historical period, or author for the purpose of
enriching or developing meaning.
 Intertextuality and plagiarism
In this world where anything can now be
easily copied anytime over the Internet,
plagiarism is definitely a no-no and is in fact,
considered a criminal offense. As
intertextuality involves a purposeful use of
someone else’s work without proper
citation, will it be considered as plagiarism?
By definition, plagiarism is the act of “using or
closely imitating the language and thoughts of
another author without authorization.” This, in
its sense, may include intertextuality.
Nonetheless, it is the intention and the purpose
for using someone else’s work that excludes
intertextuality from committing such offense.
Technically, intertextuality uses small excerpts of
a hypotext which helps the readers or audience get
into the new hypertext’s original themes,
characters or contexts. The writer makes use of a
portion of another text and alters its meaning by
putting it into another context. Basically, this
means that the writers are simply using the ideas
of others in order to develop or enrich their own
ideas and not plagiarizing them.
SEATWORK NO. _______
DATE: APRIL 8, 2024

WRITE IT IN YOUR NOTEBOOK.

(ATTENDANCE IS A MUST)

NOTE: NO ATTENDANCE NO ACTIVITY