Literary Genres

1. Literary Genres

2. 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!

3. 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.

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

5. 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

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

7. 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

8. 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

9. 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

10. Comedy/Humor • Written purposely to make the reader laugh! • Ex) Joke books or Invasion of the Road Weenies

11. 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

12. 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

13. Non-Fiction Genres • Biographies • Autobiographies • Diaries • Journals • Memoir • Advertisements

14. Biographies • Someone else’s written account of a person’s life. • Relies on a variety of information and viewpoints

15. Autobiographies • It is a biography written by the subject or person. • Based entirely on the writer’s memory.

16. Diary • A place to express one’s deepest self • A record of one’s thoughts and ideas • Ex) The Diary of Anne • Frank or Go Ask Alice

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

18. 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

19. 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).

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