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Literature Glossary

Don’t be an oxymoron. Know your literary terms.

Over 200 literary terms, Shmooped to perfection.

Intertextuality

Definition:

People have conversations with each other, so why can't books?

Intertextuality is a conversation between books. Intertextual books reference other pieces of writing, and use those references to make meaning. Have a look at our discussion of intertextuality in Rebecca Stead's When You Reach Me for more.

But intertextuality isn't just for books, so keep a weather eye out for it when you're watching your next episode of Community.