A meta-narrative is a broad, overarching story or framework that provides context and meaning to smaller narratives. It helps to explain how individual stories fit into larger themes or ideologies, often shaping our understanding of history, culture, or society. Examples of meta-narratives include concepts like progress, freedom, or the American Dream, which influence how people interpret their experiences. In literature and philosophy, meta-narratives can be critiqued for oversimplifying complex realities. Postmodern thinkers, such as Jean-François Lyotard, argue that these grand narratives can marginalize diverse perspectives and experiences. Instead, they advocate for recognizing smaller, localized narratives that reflect individual truths and complexities.