A flashback is a literary device used in writing and film to depict events that occurred in the past. There are two types of flashbacks: an external analepsis refers to a flashback occurring before the main narrative, while an internal analepsis shows a past event already within the narrative timeline. Examples given are the ballad "The Cruel Mother" where the mother remembers her child's life and death, and the film "How the Grinch Stole Christmas" depicting the Grinch's childhood through a flashback to explain his hatred of Christmas.

1. FLASHBACK
LITERARY DEVICE

2. WHAT IS FLASHBACK?
• A literary device used by an author to reflect the past
events of the characters' lives. Sometimes called an
analepsis.
• Also used in movies and Television shows.

3. TYPES OF FLASHBACK
• External Analepsis- A flashback to a time before the narrative
started.
• Internal Analepsis- A flashback to an earlier point in the
narrative.

4. EXAMPLES:
• The Cruel Mother “Ballad” - “A mother remembers her
murdered child. While going to church, she remembers
her child’s birth, growing up, and death. Later, she thinks
back further to a distant time in her past to remember
how her own mother was ruthless to her.”
• How the grinch stole the christmas by “Dr. Seuss” (2000
film)- “The Grinch’s adopted parents explain how the
Grinch came to hate Christmas in a flashback to his
childhood. In the movie, Grinch remembers his teacher
advising children to dress well and bullies making fun of
him.”