"Slice of Life" is an artistic narrative technique that depicts mundane, everyday experiences in various forms of media, including literature, theater, film, and anime12.
Origin and Meaning
The term originated between 1890 and 1895 as a calque from the French phrase tranche de vie (literally "slice of life"), credited to French playwright Jean Jullien. Jullien described it as "A play is a slice of life put onstage with art," emphasizing the focus on naturalistic representation2.
Characteristics
Key characteristics of Slice of Life include:
- Focus on ordinary, daily experiences
- Minimal plot development
- Emphasis on character interactions and atmosphere
- Often lacks traditional narrative structure
- Open-ended storytelling
- Naturalistic representation of real-life
- Manifestations in Different Media
In Literature
Slice of Life novels present a faithful reproduction of reality, focusing on minute details without moral judgment. These stories often lack a coherent plot and aim to represent life's ordinary moments2.
In Theater
In theatrical terms, it refers to a naturalistic representation of real life, often using realistic dialogues and everyday scenarios2.
In Anime
In anime, Slice of Life series concentrate on characters' mundane daily activities, such as going to school, hanging out with friends, or experiencing uneventful workdays. The genre prioritizes character development and atmosphere over dramatic plot points1.
Examples
Some notable Slice of Life works include:
- Films: Boyhood, Moonlight, The Station Agent
- Anime: K-On, Kotaro Lives Alone, Uncle from Another World
The essence of Slice of Life is capturing the seemingly unremarkable moments that collectively shape human experience.