The Reader's Role in Metafiction: Engaging With the Text beyond the Surface

Abstract

This article delves into the reader's role in contemporary metafiction, focusing on how writers like John Fowles and David Lodge use self-referential techniques to actively engage their audiences. Through a close look at The French Lieutenant’s Woman and The British Museum Is Falling Down, we see how these authors challenge traditional storytelling norms by incorporating elements like authorial commentary, multiple possible endings, and explorations of identity and reality. These approaches encourage readers to think critically about their interpretations, question the reliability of the narrators, and reflect on their own influence in creating meaning within the story. Ultimately, this exploration reveals how contemporary metafiction not only enriches the reading experience but also reshapes the dynamic between authors, texts, and readers, highlighting the evolving nature of storytelling in today’s literature.