Paratextuality

Paratextuality describes the relationship between a text and the materials that accompany it and influence how readers approach and understand it. These elements include titles, introductions, chapter divisions, marginal notes, footnotes, colophons, and even visual layout. Paratexts do not belong to the main narrative or argument, yet they strongly affect expectations, emphasis, and authority. By directing attention, clarifying purpose, or signaling how a text should be used, paratextual features play a key role in interpretation and reception across different contexts and periods.