Anachronism (concept)

Anachronism refers to something that is out of its proper time period, either happening too early or too late. It often appears in history, literature, or art when an object, idea, or detail is misplaced in a timeline—such as a character in a movie using a smartphone set in the 18th century. Anachronisms can be accidental, like a historical inaccuracy, or intentional, used for artistic or thematic effect. Essentially, it involves a mismatch between the chronological context and the element presented, highlighting a discrepancy in the flow of time.