Literary Genres

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Literary Genres
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Note-Taking Instructions

• First, label these notes Literary Genres and
  date the top of your page
• Second, only write the notes in red. I want to
  discuss all of the slides, but I only want you
  writing down the terms and definitions in red!

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What are literary genres?

• A kind of literary or artistic work
• A style of expressing yourself in writing
• We divide genres as a way of classifying them
  into particular categories.

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Fiction Genres

• Historical Fiction
• Science Fiction
• Drama
• Poetry
• Mystery/Suspense
• Comedy
• Myths
• Legends
• Fantasy

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Historical Fiction

• Made up of stories that take place in particular
  time period in the past.
• Most historical fiction is based on fact, but
  sometimes the characters and/or their actions are
  fictional.
• Ex) Number the Stars by Lois Lowry

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Science Fiction

• Made up of stories that blend fact and fiction
  with futuristic technology
• Ex) The Giver by Lois Lowry

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Drama

• A play or script that can be performed by actors
• These types of books can be read or performed.
  Usually, they include stage directions and a list
  of characters and props.
• Ex) The Crucible by Arthur Miller

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Poetry

• Verse written to inspire thoughts and feelings in
  the reader. It often uses rhyme and rhythm to
  tell its message.
• Ex) Bronx Masquerade
• by Nikki Grimes

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Mystery/Suspense/Horror

• Strangeness or something unknown
• Solving a puzzling situation, event, or crime
• Centers on someone investigating
  something or searching for secret
  information
• Ex) Among the Hidden
• by Margaret Haddix

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Comedy/Humor

• Written purposely to make the reader laugh!
• Ex) Joke books or
• Invasion of the Road
  Weenies

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Myths

• Common tales passed down over the years, usually
  have some kind of moral lesson to be taught
• Narratives about divine or heroic beings.
• Ex) Greek myths

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Legend

• A believable short story passed down from person
  to person
• It is believable, but not always believed!
• Ex) Paul Bunyan and
• his big blue ox

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Non-Fiction Genres

• Biographies
• Autobiographies
• Diaries
• Journals
• Memoir
• Advertisements

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Biographies

• Someone elses written account of a persons
  life.
• Relies on a variety of information and viewpoints

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Autobiographies

• It is a biography written by the subject or
  person.
• Based entirely on the writers memory.

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Diary

• A place to express ones deepest self
• A record of ones thoughts and ideas
• Ex) The Diary of Anne
• Frank or Go Ask Alice

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Journal

• A daily record of events or business A newspaper
  or other periodical
• Ex) The Daily News Journal

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Memoir

• About a part of life, rather than the
  chronological telling of a life from childhood to
  adulthood/old age.
• Most written from the first person

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Essay

• A short literary composition on a single subject,
  usually presenting the personal view of the
  author.
• Some different types of essays include narrative
  (telling a story), persuasive (convincing someone
  of something), and descriptive (describing a
  person or event).

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Advertisements

• A notice designed to attract public attention or
  sell something.
• Ex) paid announcement in
• print, TV, or internet