Inclusio

An inclusio refers to a structural literary pattern where a text opens and closes with similar language, images, or concepts, creating a clear frame around the material in between. The repeated elements mark the start and end of a unit and draw attention to its central message. Inclusio is used in narrative, poetry, and instructional writing to organize material, guide interpretation, and emphasize cohesion. Rather than adding new content, it shapes how existing content is read by signaling what belongs together and what carries special importance.