This article studies the shaping of the metatheater in the novel La cárcel (1972) by Jesús-Zárate. From the proposals of Catherine-Larson, Óscar Rivera-Rodas and Priscilla-Meléndez, the analysis shows how by way of the drama surrounding the drama, the novel sets out a criticism of the penitentiary judicial system.La cárcel, which narrates the stay of Antón-Castán in prison, along with other characters, propose the parody of the justice through a judicial process to the same one.It's here where the criticism needs to be more visible, the irony and the humor are evident in the lines of the metatheatre in the novel.