SUBMITTED BY: Mary Grace M. Buensuceso Section: 3E3: What Is A Genre?
SUBMITTED BY: Mary Grace M. Buensuceso Section: 3E3: What Is A Genre?
SUBMITTED BY: Mary Grace M. Buensuceso Section: 3E3: What Is A Genre?
Buensuceso
Section: 3E3
What is a Genre?
A genre is a broad term that translates from the French to mean kind or type. In entertainment, this can translate to
horror, romance, science fiction, etc. In general, these types differ for all sorts of reasons, from the actions in their plots,
to the feelings they elicit from the audience. However, in literature, there are some more defined genres. It is important
to know which genre a piece of work falls into because the reader will already have certain expectations before he even
begins to read.
Poetry
The first main literary genre is poetry. All poetry shares specific characteristics. For example, poems are written in lines
and stanzas instead of sentences and paragraphs. Some poems follow strict rules as to the number and length of lines
and stanzas, whereas many poems are much more free flowing.
Most poetry is abundant in figurative language. Using devices like a simile, metaphor, hyperbole, onomatopoeia,
alliteration, rhyme, and much more, poetry can claim an emphasis on imagination, emotions and heartfelt ideas. Poetry
is usually shorter than the other genres, but some poems are classified as epic poetry, which is a long narrative poem
chronicling heroic deeds and serious subject matter. For example, John Milton's epic poem Paradise Lost focuses on
Satan's fall from grace and his following pursuit of revenge.
Fiction
Poetry, however, is not the only genre that can utilize figurative language. Similarly, fiction, which is any work written in
prose that is not real, can also use elaborate figurative language. However, fiction is much more structured than poetry.
It must be written in sentences and paragraphs with all the proper punctuation and grammar, which makes it prose.
Usually fiction is broken up into chapters, as well.
Since it is based on the imagination, the subject matter in fiction works can be nearly anything. Fiction can take place in
the present day, future or the past. It can incorporate the most fantastical ideas or follow an everyday life. Some
examples of works of fiction are legends, folk tales, fairy tales, short stories and any novels. For example, the
popular Hunger Games and Divergent trilogies are fiction which occurs in a post-apocalyptic future.
Genres of Fiction: Drama is the genre of literature that’s Poetry is verse and rhythmic writing with imagery that
subject for compositions is dramatic art in the way it is evokes an emotional response from the reader. The art of
represented. This genre is stories composed in verse or poetry is rhythmical in composition, written or spoken.
prose, usually for theatrical performance, where conflicts This genre of literature is for exciting pleasure by beautiful,
and emotion are expressed through dialogue and action. imaginative, or elevated thoughts.
Fantasy is the forming of mental images with strange or Historical Fiction is a story with fictional characters and
other worldly settings or characters; fiction which invites events in a historical setting.
suspension of reality.
Horror is an overwhelming and painful feeling caused by
Humor is the faculty of perceiving what is amusing or literature that is frightfully shocking, terrifying, or
comical. Fiction full of fun, fancy, and excitement which revolting. Fiction in which events evoke a feeling of dread
meant to entertain. This genre of literature can actually be in both the characters and the reader.
seen and contained within all genres.
A Tall Tale is a humorous story with blatant exaggerations,
A Fable is a story about supernatural or extraordinary swaggering heroes who do the impossible with an here of
people Usually in the form of narration that demonstrates nonchalance.
a useful truth. In Fables, animals often speak as humans
Legend is a story that sometimes of a national or folk hero.
that are legendary and supernatural tales.
Legend is based on fact but also includes imaginative
Fairy Tales or wonder tales are a kind of folktale or fable. material.
Sometimes the stories are about fairies or other magical
Mystery is a genre of fiction that deals with the solution of
creatures, usually for children.
a crime or the unraveling of secrets. Anything that is kept
Science Fiction is a story based on impact of potential secret or remains unexplained or unknown.
science, either actual or imagined. Science fiction is one of
Mythology is a type of legend or traditional narrative. This
the genres of literature that is set in the future or on other
is often based in part on historical events, that reveals
planets.
human behavior and natural phenomena by its symbolism;
Short Story is fiction of such briefness that is not able to often pertaining to the actions of the gods. A body of
support any subplots. myths, as that of a particular people or that relating to a
particular person.
Realistic Fiction is a story that can actually happen and is
true to real life. Fiction in Verse is full-length novels with plot, subplots,
themes, with major and minor characters. Fiction of verse
Folklore are songs, stories, myths, and proverbs of a
is one of the genres of literature in which the narrative is
person of “folk” that was handed down by word of mouth.
usually presented in blank verse form.
Folklore is a genre of literature that is widely held, but
false and based on unsubstantiated beliefs. The genre of Fiction can be defined as narrative literary
works whose content is produced by the imagination and
is not necessarily based on fact. In fiction something is
feigned, invented, or imagined; a made-up story.
Non-Fiction
A third broad literary genre is nonfiction. If fiction is fake, then nonfiction is the opposite -- it comes from real life.
Works of nonfiction are all based in real world experiences. When you read the newspaper, you are reading nonfiction.
Other examples include journals, diaries, biographies, autobiographies, and essays.
Nonfiction can also use figurative language; however, it is not as abundant as in poetry and even fiction. Figurative
language in this genre generally comes through common phrases which are well known and used on a daily basis by
many.
Types of Nonfiction:
Narrative Nonfiction is information based on fact that is presented in a format which tells a story.
Essays are a short literary composition that reflects the author’s outlook or point. A short literary composition on a
particular theme or subject, usually in prose and generally analytic, speculative, or interpretative.
An Autobiography gives the history of a person’s life, written or told by that person. Often written in Narrative form of
their person’s life.
Speech is the faculty or power of speaking; oral communication; ability to express one’s thoughts and emotions by
speech, sounds, and gesture. Generally delivered in the form of an address or discourse.
REFERENCE:
Janovsky, A. (n.d.). Literary Genres: Definition, Types, Characteristics & Examples | Study.com. Retrieved August 11,
2015, from http://study.com/academy/lesson/literary-genres-definition-types-characteristics-examples.html
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