Genres of
Literature
Phan Thi Tho
Learning 01
The students should be able to
identify the different genres of
Outcomes literature and explain the
characteristics of each.
The students should be able to
02 identify and analyze examples of
each genre of literature.
The students should be able to
03 create a piece of writing that
demonstrates understanding of one
of the genres of literature.
What are literary genres?
Genre is a French term derived from the Latin genus, generis, meaning "type,"
"sort," or "kind." It designates the literary form or type into which works are classified
according to what they have in common, either in their formal structures or in their
treatment of subject matter, or both. The study of genres may be of value in three
ways. On the simplest level, grouping works offers us an orderly way to talk about an
otherwise bewildering number of literary texts. More importantly, if we recognize the
genre of a text, we may also have a better idea of its intended overall structure and/or
subject. Finally, a genre approach can deepen our sense of the value of any single text,
by allowing us to view it comparatively, alongside many other texts of its type.
What are literary genres?
A literary genre is a category of literature. Genres may be determined by literary
technique, tone, content, or length (especially for fiction). They generally move from
more abstract, encompassing classes, which are then further subdivided into more
concrete distinctions. The divisions between genres and categories are fluid and
unclear, the principles defining genres vary over time and are relatively unstable.
Genres can all be in the form of prose or poetry. Furthermore, a genre such as
satire, allegory, or pastoral may exist in any of the above, not just as a subgenre, but as
a genre blend. They are determined by the prevailing cultural movement of the
historical period in which they were written.
Literature
Prose Poetry
Fiction Non-Fiction Narrative Lyric Dramatic
Novel History Epic Song Tragedy
Short Story News Ballad Ode Comedy
Novella Biography Metrical Tale Sonnet Melodrama
Fable Diary Elegy Farce
Parable Anecdote Idyll Social Tale
Legend Essay
Prose Poetry
Prose is a form of literature that uses Poetry is a genre of literature that uses
ordinary language and has a natural flow imaginative and often rhythmic language
of speech. It is distinguished from poetry, to express an idea, evoke emotion, or tell a
which uses a formal meter and rhyme. story. It is often used to convey complex
emotions and ideas in an accessible and
Prose typically consists of sentences and creative way.
paragraphs and is used for a variety of
genres, including novels, essays, short Poetry can take many different forms, from
stories, and newspaper articles. traditional rhyme schemes to free verse.
Literature
Prose
Fiction Non-Fiction
Novel History
Short Story News
Novella Biography
Fable Diary
Parable Anecdote
Legend Essay
Prose
Fiction Non-Fiction
Fiction in literature is any Non-fiction in literature is a
story or novel that is created genre which encompasses
from the author's essays, biographies, memoirs,
imagination, as opposed to and other written works that
being based on facts or real are based on facts and real
events. events.
Fiction
A novel is a work of long prose fiction, which is usually centered
Novel around characters, events and settings. Novels usually have multiple
chapters, with a larger plot and focus on character development.
A short story is a work of fiction that is usually shorter in length
Short Story than a novel. Short stories often have less developed characters and
settings than longer works, but can still explore complex themes.
A novella is a work of narrative fiction, longer than a short story but
Novella shorter than a novel. Generally, novellas are between 20,000 and
40,000 words in length.
Fiction
A fable is a short story, typically with animals as characters, that
Fable teaches a moral lesson. Fables often have an element of humor and
are an enduring form of folk literature.
A parable is a short story or brief tale that is used to illustrate a
Parable moral lesson or religious principle. It typically features characters
and events that are symbolic of larger truths or ideas.
A legend is a traditional story that has been passed down through
Legend generations and is typically based on historical events. Legends
often include elements of mythology and folklore.
Non-Fiction
History is the study of past events, particularly human activity and
History its impact on people and societies. It is a term that relates to past
events as well as interpretation of information about these events.
A news is a piece of information about a current event or situation.
News It may be reported in a variety of media, including newspapers,
television, radio, and the Internet.
A biography is a detailed description or account of a person's life. It
Biography includes facts and information about the person's childhood,
education, family, work, and death.
Non-Fiction
A diary is a personal record of experiences, thoughts, and/or
Diary reflections kept regularly and often privately. It can be a physical
book or an electronic document.
An anecdote is a brief, often amusing story about a real incident or
Anecdote person. Anecdotes are usually related as a way to support an
argument or point in a speech or essay.
An essay is a short piece of writing that focuses on a particular
Essay topic or argument. Essays are used to express ideas, explain a point,
or discuss a topic in a structured and organized way.
Literature
Poetry
Narrative Lyric Dramatic
Epic Song Tragedy
Ballad Ode Comedy
Metrical Tale Sonnet Melodrama
Elegy Farce
Idyll Social Tale
Poetry
Narrative Lyric Dramatic
Narrative poetry is a form of Lyric poetry is a type of Dramatic poetry is a type of
poetry that tells a story. It poetry that expresses poetry that is meant to be
usually follows a plot with personal emotions or performed in a play or
characters, a setting, and a thoughts. It often includes theatrical setting. It often
climax. rhyme and meter and can be includes elements of
sung as a song. dialogue, monologue, and
characterization.
Narrative
An epic is a long narrative poem that celebrates the deeds of a
Epic legendary hero. It features a hero who represents the values of a
particular society, and who goes on an epic journey or quest.
A ballad is a type of song that tells a story and often has a repeated
Ballad chorus or refrain. Ballads typically have a slow, rhythmic structure
and use simple and emotional language.
A metric tale is a story told in verse, usually composed of stanzas or
Metric Tale lines of poetry. Metric tales are an ancient form of storytelling, often
used in traditional folklore, fables, and myths.
Literary works have the power to
transport us to worlds far beyond
our own and to open our eyes to
new perspectives.
They can inspire us to take stands, to take action, and to think
differently. In short, they are essential to our individual growth
and to the health of our society.
Thank You
