Self-referential literature is a type of writing that draws attention to its own status as a work of fiction. This can include characters who are aware they are in a story, or narratives that comment on their own structure and creation. Such works often challenge the boundaries between reality and fiction, prompting readers to reflect on the nature of storytelling itself. Examples of self-referential literature include Jorge Luis Borges's short stories and Italo Calvino's novels. These authors use techniques like metafiction, where the text discusses its own narrative devices, to engage readers in a deeper exploration of the art of writing and the role of the reader.