A literary device found within a longer work, this brief, distinct section offers a temporary departure from the primary narrative thread. Functioning as a pause or a break, it may introduce a contrasting mood, explore a secondary theme, or provide insight into a character’s background. For example, a chapter focusing on a seemingly unrelated folktale within a fantasy novel, only to reveal its connection to the main quest later in the narrative, exemplifies this technique.
Such inclusions offer several benefits to the overall reading experience. They can provide a change of pace, preventing reader fatigue in lengthy works. These diversions can also enrich the thematic complexity of the piece, adding layers of meaning and enhancing the overall impact. Historically, authors have employed these sections to explore social commentary, delve into philosophical musings, or simply to provide a moment of levity amidst a serious narrative.
