FLEABAG AND SELF-REFLEXIVITY: BREAKING-THE-FOURTH-WALL OF A WOMAN’S INNER WORLD

Authors

  • Luis Rocha Antunes Augusta University

Keywords:

Fleabag, Self-reflexivity, Breaking-the-fourth-wall

Abstract

This essay analyzes and describes the use of self-reflexivity in the series Fleabag (Phoebe Waller-Bridge, 2016-2019), showing that the televised series makes use of breaking-the-fourth-wall to create an ongoing relationship between the main character and the viewer. By testing the series' application of self-reflexivity against Jean-Marc Limoges' five criteria of fictional engagement, the essay explains why breaking-the-fourth-wall in Fleabag is not a mere comical device but an entire diegetic layer that shapes the viewer's perception of the character and their engagement with the story. Finally, this study offers a description of the concept of a personal live audience as a way to explain the dramatic importance of breaking-the-fourth-wall in the series, namely, how it impacts Waller-Bridge's performance as an actress, and it empowers her character. The overarching goal of the essay is to demonstrate the originality self-reflexivity in Fleabag and how breaking-the-fourth-wall helps to perceive the inner world of a character with a dimensionality that would be difficult to achieve without the use of self-reflexivity.

References

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Published

2020-04-21

How to Cite

Antunes, L. R. (2020). FLEABAG AND SELF-REFLEXIVITY: BREAKING-THE-FOURTH-WALL OF A WOMAN’S INNER WORLD. TROPOS: COMUNICAÇÃO, SOCIEDADE E CULTURA (ISSN: 2358-212X), 9(1). Retrieved from https://periodicos.ufac.br/index.php/tropos/article/view/3283

Issue

Vol. 9 No. 1 (2020)

Section

Dossiê - A nova Era Dourada da Televisão: as séries contemporâneas

License

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