What does mise-en abyme mean?

Answer 1

Mise-en-abyme is a French term that translates to "placed into the abyss" and refers to a narrative technique in which an image, story, or idea is reflected within itself, creating a recursive structure. This concept is often used in literature, art, and film to highlight themes of reflection, repetition, or self-reference. For example, a painting within a painting or a story that features a character reading a similar story exemplifies this technique. It invites viewers or readers to engage with the layers of meaning and explore the relationship between the original and the reflection.