What does "intertextuality" refer to?

"Intertextuality" refers to the relationship and influence between texts. This concept emphasizes that no text exists in isolation; instead, texts are interconnected, and their meanings can be shaped by their relationships with other texts. For instance, a novel might reference or respond to another work, thereby creating layers of meaning that enhance the reader's understanding of both texts. Intertextuality acknowledges that the dialogue between texts can inform various aspects such as themes, styles, and cultural contexts, enriching the reader's experience.

The other options incorporate different ideas about literature and text. Isolation of a text from outside influences does not account for the ways in which texts interact and influence each other. The structure of a single text focuses on its internal composition rather than its relationships with other texts. A specific genre of literature pertains to classifications of literary works rather than the interconnectedness of texts. Each of these concepts is relevant in literature studies, but they do not capture the essence of intertextuality as effectively as the idea of relationships and influence among texts.