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Genre Subgenre: Categories of Literature

This document outlines the main genres of literature - nonfiction, fiction, drama, and poetry - and provides examples of subgenres within each. It discusses the defining characteristics of genres such as fantasy, which includes magic and superpowers, and subgenres like myths, which feature gods and accounts of creation. The document also reviews elements of poetry such as prosody, sound devices, and form.

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247 views

Genre Subgenre: Categories of Literature

This document outlines the main genres of literature - nonfiction, fiction, drama, and poetry - and provides examples of subgenres within each. It discusses the defining characteristics of genres such as fantasy, which includes magic and superpowers, and subgenres like myths, which feature gods and accounts of creation. The document also reviews elements of poetry such as prosody, sound devices, and form.

Uploaded by

zernovoj
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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Genre and Subgenre

Categories of Literature
4 Main Genres

1. Nonfiction: writing that is true


2. Fiction: imaginative or made up
writing
3. Drama: a play or script
4. Poetry: verse & rhythmic writing
with imagery
Fiction Subgenres
• Fantasy: has monsters, magic, or characters with
superpowers.

• Science Fiction: based on impact of science, either


actual or imagined. Set in the future or on other
planets, has aliens, robots, and/or futuristic
technology.
Fiction Subgenres
• Horror: frightfully shocking, terrifying, or horrible.
Creates a feeling of fear in both the characters and
the reader.

• Mystery: deals with the solution of a crime or the


unraveling of secrets. Anything that is kept secret or
remains unexplained or unknown.
Fiction Subgenres
• Historical Fiction: set in the past and based on real
people and/or events

• Realistic Fiction: has no elements of fantasy; could


be true but is not
Fiction Subgenres
• Folklore/Folktale: usually has an “unknown”
author or will be “retold” or “adapted” by
the author
– Fable
– Mythology
– Tall tale
– Legend
– Fairytale
Folklore Subgenres
• Fable: short story with personified animals
and a moral
Personified: given the traits of people
Moral: lesson or message of a fable

Mythology: has gods/goddesses and


usually accounts for the creation of
something
Folklore Subgenres (continued)
Tall Tale:
• Set in the Wild West, the American frontier
• Main characters skills/size/strength is greatly
exaggerated (hyperbole)
• Exaggeration is humorous

Legend:
• Based on a real person or place
• Facts are stretched beyond nonfiction
• Exaggerated in a serious way
Folklore Subgenres (continued)
Fairytale: has magic and/or talking animals
• Often starts with “Once upon a time…”
• Like fantasy but much older
• Often has a human main character

• Fables also have talking animals,


but fables are VERY short
Elements of Poetry
• Prosody: meter, rhythm, &
tone
• Sound: Rhyme,
assonance, alliteration, &
consonance
• Form: Lines & Stanza
Nonfiction Subgenres
• Informational: explains something that is actual,
real life, & contains facts.
Ex.) textbooks, magazines, newspapers

• Essay: a short literary composition that reflects the


author’s point of view. Based on a particular
theme or subject. (argumentative or narrative)

Ex.) Mrs. Lust writes an essay about


eating fast food and how it can have
harmful affects on your body.
Nonfiction Subgenres
• Speech: spoken communication; ability to express
one’s thoughts & emotions by speech, sounds, &
gesture. Delivered in the form of an address or
lecture.

Narrative: is information based on fact


that is presented in a format
which tells a story.
Nonfiction Subgenres
• Autobiography: life story written by one’s self

• Biography: Writing about someone else’s life

Latin Roots
Auto = Self Bio = Life Graphy = Writing
Drama
Stories written in script form
Example:
Teacher: Everyone take notes.
Student A: I don’t have a pen.
Student B: You can borrow one from me!

Subgenres
Play: divided in acts & scenes with actors, sets, &
costumes.
- Comedy: has a happy ending
- Tragedy: ends in death and sadness
Reader’s Theater: spoken presentation from
literature (usually no costumes or sets).
Review
Nonfiction: persuasive writing, informational
writing, autobiography, and biography
Fiction: historical fiction, science fiction,
realistic fiction, fantasy, & folklore (myth,
legend, tall tale, fairy tale, and fable)
Drama: comedy and tragedy
Poetry: many subgenres (free verse, limerick,
haiku, concrete, etc.

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