Abstract
M. Litt. et Phil. (Afrikaans)
The frame-story (Ger. Rahmenerzahlung, Fr. conte à cadre, Dutch kaderverhaal, Afr. raamvertelling) can be defined as an outer story or narration that frames one or more stories or narrations. According to Wellek and Warren "(t)he frame-story enclosing other stories is, historically, a bridge between anecdote and novel" (1978: 221). Two main types of frame-story are differentiated. The first type is an outer story framing a single story or narration (Afr. Geraamde enkelvertelling), while the second type is a fragmented outer story framing a construction of several seperate (usually autonomous) tales or narrations (Afr. sikliese raamvertelling). These narrations or tales are usually punctuated by fragments of the frame. Sometimes fictitious documents such as a diary, an old manuscript, a chronicle, or a newspaper report are used by the narrator in the frame or outer story. These "documents" form the basis of the story that he or she is going to tell, and at the same time they serve as a device to authenticate this story. The function of the frame can vary. It can serve as a mount or generator for the inner story or stories; it can be a component deriving its meaning from the inner story; or it can be a component with its own plot. The narrative structures and the way in which elements are arranged determine the interdependence between the frame and the inner story or stories. There is a differentiation of styles as well as a time distinction between the frame and inner story or stories. Nevertheless certain actions and events that take place in the frame are often reflected in the inner story or stories, and one plot sometimes parallels the other so that they underline one another.