What Is Genre Fiction?

Genre fiction (also often referred to as popular fiction),

unlike literary fiction, describes fiction that is written with
the intent of fitting into a specific literary genre.
Most writers agree that there are nine main subgenres
within genre fiction.
These include horror, mystery/crime, romance, science
fiction, thriller/suspense, westerns, historical, young adult,
and fantasy.
Horror Fiction

The main focus of horror novels is to create feelings of fear, dread, terror and
sometimes repulsion in its audience.

 Novels in this genre should leave readers feeling these specific emotions.

 Examples:
• It by Stephen King
• Dracula by Bram Stoker
• Behind Closed Doors by B. A. Paris
Mystery/Crime Fiction
 Mystery, crime, and murder mystery fiction novels are works of fiction that
use narratives that centre on criminal acts, the investigation by either
amateur or professional experts, and the resolution of that crime or mystery.

 Examples:
• Daisy Darker by Alice Feeney
• Dream Town by David Baldacci
• The Darkest Evening by Ann Cleeves
Romance Fiction
 Romance fiction generally refers to novels that primarily focus on the
relationship and romantic love between two, or more, people.

 A romance novel will typically have a ‘Happy Ever After’ or, at the very least,
an emotionally satisfying ending.

 Examples:
• The Notebook by Nicholas Sparks
• The Time Traveller’s Wife by Audrey Niffenegger
• Me Before You by JoJo Moyes
Science Fiction (Sci-Fi)
 Science fiction is a genre of speculative fiction which typically deals with
imaginative or futuristic concepts.

 Science fiction novels will, more often than not, deal with ideas of advanced
technology, scientific advancement, space exploration or time travel to mention
just a few.

 Examples:
• War of the Worlds by H.G.Wells
• Twenty Thousand Leagues Under the Sea by Jules Verne
• The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes by Suzanne Collins
Thriller/Suspense Fiction
 Thriller and suspense genres are often linked and both are genres that follow
similar rules.

 In general, these novel genres use fast-paced plots to affect the readers, and
situations that evoke emotions such as anxiety, surprise, excitement and
anticipation.
 These genres of fiction are entirely dependent on the emotion you leave the
reader with, rather than the structure you use to tell the story.
 Suspense and thriller novels tend to be stories that rely heavily on plot and
plot twists.

Examples:
• The Girl on the Train by Paula Hawkins
• Verity by Colleen Hoover
• Gone Girl by Gillian Flynn
Western Fiction
 Western fiction is a genre of literature set in the American “Old West” frontier
and is generally set in the 19th or early 20th century.

 This area of fiction is plot-driven and will generally combine aspects of crime,
redemption and justice.

 Examples:
• The Revenant by Michael Punke
• No Country for Old Men by Cormac McCarthy
• The Son by Philip Meyer
Fantasy Fiction
 Fantasy fiction is a genre categorised in general by its inclusion of magical
elements.
 It is a genre of speculative fiction that typically includes fictional universes, and
most fantasy novels are inspired by mythology, folklore, or traditions.
 Setting and deep characterisation are vital in this genre.

Examples:
• A Game of Thrones by George RR Martin
• The Colour of Magic by Terry Pratchett
• The Lord of the Rings by JRR Tolkien
Young Adult fiction
 Young adult fiction is generally described as books written for readers from 12
to 18 years of age. It’s meant to be the next level of reading material after
middle-grade fiction and softens the transition to adult fiction. It offers readers
stories that are, in general, more emotionally and thematically advanced.
Adventure

 An adventure story could be, for example, the protagonist traveling

around the world or battling their inner demons. Usually, in an
adventure story, the protagonist is going to have help in the form of a
friend or partner. They might have to rescue someone or something they
care about and contend with an opposing force that wants to stymie
their good intentions.
 One morning, upon awakening from agitated dreams, Gregor Samsa found himself, in his bed,
transformed into a monstrous vermin.

 This quotation, one of the most famous opening lines in modern literature, introduces the
subject matter of The Metamorphosis and indicates how that subject matter will be treated
throughout the story. The line has a notably flat, matter-of-fact tone that doesn’t remark on the
oddness of the incident. On the contrary, the line treats Gregor’s change as though it were an
ordinary event, and it never raises the issue of how or why Gregor undergoes his
metamorphosis, implying that the change has occurred without any particular cause or for any
particular reason. In doing so, it creates a sense that the world we see in the story is inherently
purposeless and random, rather than rational and ordered, and that such events are to some
degree to be expected. Thus the opening line exemplifies the idea of absurdism, which asserts
that humans exist in an irrational, chaotic universe beyond our full understanding.

 Although the opening line is narrated in the third person, it also reflects Gregor’s own attitude
toward his change. Gregor never attempts to determine why or how he transformed into a bug.
Instead, he appears to accept the change as an unfortunate incident, like an accident or illness,
and doesn’t get particularly upset about it. In fact, after his transformation he continues to
think about relatively normal subjects, like his family’s financial situation and his own physical
comfort. Consequently, Gregor himself embodies this absurdist point of view exemplified in the
opening line. He is the victim of an evidently purposeless and random metamorphosis, which
he treats as though it were not completely unusual, suggesting he at least somewhat expects
the world he lives in to be an irrational and chaotic place.
Using embedded clause
 1. The flower, ……………………., looks very beautiful.
 2. The man, ……………………., killed the tiger.
 3. My friend, ……………………., died recently.
 4. The witch, ……………………. , looked very spooky
 5. The doctor, …………………….,took my blood pressure.
 6. This house, ……………………., looked very different years
ago.
 7. My bike, ……………………., is broken.
 8. Mr. Aravind, ……………………., felt offended as the waiter
served him red meat.
Key
 1. The flower, which is red, looks very beautiful.
 2. The man, who is very strong, killed the tiger.
 3. My friend, who was working in Chennai, died recently.
 4. The witch, who has green eyes, is very spooky
 5. The doctor, who was very kind, took my blood pressure.
 6. This house, where I grew up, looked very different years ago.
 7. My bike, which is very old, is broken.
 8. Mr. Aravind, who was a vegetarian, felt offended as the waiter served him
red meet.
Describing actions using adverbial
phrases
Owing to …..
Due to …..
HOW WHEN WHERE WHY HOW OFTEN

In anger Before sunrise Right next to her To console her Every month

Like a snail Exactly in three hours At every signal For a much-need break Every now and then

Sincerely happy Earlier than expected By the store So as to finish the work Rarely

Very quickly As soon as possible Next to the play area Owing to the extension Annually

Somewhat sad Even before the Around the main road Due to her continuous efforts All Fridays
announcement

A lot more sophisticated Within a matter of a few In all major cities Because of the heavy rains As often as required
months

With a duct tape After the lockdown On this swing In order to find out Every few minutes
 1. ……………………………., I met my friend from school. ( where)
 2. ………………………….., my sister’s batch was exempted from writing exams.
(why)
 3. Asura's friends reached the hilltop ………………………….. (when)
 4. Probably, ……………………….., we can expect heavy rains. (when)
 5. The science teacher asked us to do our records …………………………… (how)
 6. All of them did it exactly …………………………. (where)
 7. ……………………….., there was a fire in the building. (when)
 8. ……………………, the residents of the area faced difficulties with power and
water supply. (when)
 9. The children were ……………………… (how)
 10. Gautham’s friends could not make it to the wedding in time……………………..
(why)
 1. On the way to the hospital, I met my friend from school.
 2. Owing to the pandemic, my sister’s batch was exempted from writing
exams.
 3. Saurab’s friends reached the hilltop exactly in an hour.
 4. Probably, by the end of June, we can expect heavy rains.
 5. The science teacher asked us to do our records neatly and carefully.
 6. All of them did it exactly as informed.
 7. All of a sudden, there was a fire in the building.
 8. Throughout the year, the residents of the area faced difficulties with power
and water supply.
 9. The children were seemingly quiet.
 10. Gautham’s friends could not make it to the wedding in time due to the
traffic jam.
 The haunted house, which was rumored to be cursed
by the townspeople, stood looming on the edge of the
forest, its windows shattered and its paint peeling.
Inside, there were cobwebs hanging from every corner,
through which the faint moonlight filtered in. The
floorboards creaked with each step, adding to the eerie
atmosphere of the abandoned dwelling. Furthermore,
the walls were adorned with old, faded portraits of the
former residents, their eyes seeming to follow you as
you moved through the dimly lit rooms. The musty
smell of decay lingered in the air, making it feel as if
the house itself was breathing. Despite its dilapidated
state, the haunted house still seemed to exude a
malevolent energy that sent shivers down the spines of
all who dared to enter.
 The haunted house stood ominously at the end of the desolate street, its windows
dark and foreboding. The front door creaked open slowly, as if beckoning visitors to enter
its eerie halls. Cobwebs hung from the ceilings like ghostly drapes, swaying in the faint
breeze that whispered through the corridors.
 The walls were adorned with faded wallpaper, peeling in places to reveal the decaying
wood beneath. Dust motes danced in the dim light, casting eerie shadows that seemed
to come alive in the flickering candlelight. The floorboards groaned underfoot, as if
protesting the presence of intruders in this long-forgotten place.
 In the corner of the room, a tattered armchair sat, its once-plush upholstery now torn
and frayed. The air was heavy with the scent of must and decay, a reminder of the
house's long history of abandonment and neglect. The silence was oppressive, broken
only by the occasional soft thump or rustle that seemed to emanate from the very walls
themselves.
 As I ventured further into the heart of the house, the sense of unease grew stronger.
Shadows seemed to shift and swirl, twisting into grotesque shapes that seemed to mock
my presence. The temperature dropped suddenly, sending a chill down my spine that
made my blood run cold. I could almost feel the eyes of unseen entities watching me,
their gaze filled with malice and malevolence.
 In that moment, I knew that I was not alone in this haunted house. And as I turned to
flee, a whisper echoed through the darkness, chilling me to the core: "Stay...if you dare."
Film Adaptation

The Hobbit: An Unexpected

Journey/Film synopsis
Bilbo Baggins (Martin Freeman) lives a
simple life with his fellow hobbits in
the shire, until the wizard Gandalf (Ian
McKellen) arrives and convinces him
to join a group of dwarves on a quest
to reclaim the kingdom of Erebor. The
journey takes Bilbo on a path through
treacherous lands swarming with orcs,
goblins and other dangers, not the
least of which is an encounter with
Gollum (Andy Serkis) and a simple
gold ring that is tied to the fate of
Middle Earth in ways Bilbo cannot
Film adaptation
Understanding No.5
 Some people may believe that certain movies are better than the
books they are based on because they bring the story to life in a more
visually compelling way. For example, The Godfather movie directed by
Francis Ford Coppola is often considered to be better than the book by
Mario Puzo for its stellar performances, direction, and cinematography.
 On the other hand, others may argue that the original book is always
better because it allows for a more in-depth exploration of the
characters and themes. The Lord of the Rings trilogy by J.R.R. Tolkien is
a popular example of a book series that many readers believe
surpasses the film adaptations in terms of richness and complexity.
 Ultimately, whether a movie is better than its source material is a
matter of personal preference and can depend on individual tastes and
interpretations. Both books and movies have their own unique
strengths and it is up to the audience to decide which medium they
prefer
 5.
 Some people may believe that certain movies are better than the books
they are based on because they bring the story to life in a more visually
compelling way. For example, The Godfather movie directed by Francis
Ford Coppola is often considered to be better than the book by Mario
Puzo for its stellar performances, direction, and cinematography.

 On the other hand, others may argue that the original book is always
better because it allows for a more in-depth exploration of the characters
and themes. The Lord of the Rings trilogy by J.R.R. Tolkien is a popular
example of a book series that many readers believe surpasses the film
adaptations in terms of richness and complexity.
 Ultimately, whether a movie is better than its source material is a matter
of personal preference and can depend on individual tastes and
interpretations. Both books and movies have their own unique strengths
and it is up to the audience to decide which medium they prefer.
Understanding No.6

 Hollywood movies often reflect the society they come from by

incorporating prevailing cultural norms, values, and issues. For example,
movies can mirror societal attitudes towards gender roles, race relations,
and political ideologies. They can also address current social issues such
as immigration, crime, or environmental concerns. Additionally, Hollywood
movies often depict the lifestyles, technologies, and fashion trends of a
particular time period, providing a snapshot of the society in which they
were created. Overall, Hollywood movies serve as a reflection of the
values, beliefs, and concerns of the society that produces them.
 6
 Hollywood fantasy movies are very American because they often contain
themes and values that are reflective of American culture and society. For
example, many Hollywood fantasy movies focus on the idea of the individual
hero or heroine rising up against great odds to save the world, a theme that is
deeply ingrained in American folklore and mythology.

 Additionally, Hollywood fantasy movies often feature American actors and are
produced by American studios, further reinforcing their American identity. One
of the most iconic examples of this is the "Harry Potter" series, which features a
British setting but is predominantly portrayed by American actors and produced
by Warner Bros., a major American studio.

 Furthermore, Hollywood fantasy movies tend to have a fast-paced, action-

packed style that is characteristic of American filmmaking. This, combined with
the use of cutting-edge special effects and CGI technology, contributes to their
widespread popularity among American audiences. Overall, the Americanness
of Hollywood fantasy movies is a result of their thematic content, production,
and style, all of which are influenced by American culture and values.
Movies often reflect the society they come from by showcasing the prevailing cultural norms,
values, and issues of that particular time and place. They serve as a mirror to society, offering
insights into the social, political, and economic climate of the period in which they were made.

For example, films made during the civil rights movement in the United States often addressed
issues of racial inequality and discrimination. Movies like "Guess Who's Coming to Dinner" and
"In the Heat of the Night" highlighted the struggles and injustices faced by African Americans
during this turbulent time in American history.

Similarly, movies from the 1980s often reflected the consumerist culture of the era, with films
like "Wall Street" and "American Psycho" depicting the excesses and materialism of the time.
These films not only entertained audiences but also provided social commentary on the values
and behavior of society at the time.

Movies are powerful cultural artifacts that reflect and influence the society they come from.
They provide a window into the values, beliefs, and struggles of a particular time and place,
and can help to shape and transform societal attitudes and perceptions. As such, it is important
to critically analyze and engage with films as a means of understanding and navigating the
complexities of the society in which we live.