Literary Genres

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!

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.

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

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

Science Fiction

• Made up of stories that blend fact and fiction with futuristic technology

• Ex) The Giver by Lois Lowry

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

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

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

Comedy/Humor

• Written purposely to make the reader laugh!

• Ex) Joke books or Invasion of the Road

Weenies

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

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

Non-Fiction Genres

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

Biographies

• Someone else’s written account of a person’s life.

• Relies on a variety of information and viewpoints

Autobiographies

• It is a biography written by the subject or person.

• Based entirely on the writer’s memory.

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

Journal

• A daily record of events or business; A newspaper or other periodical

• Ex) The Daily News Journal

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

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).

Advertisements

• A notice designed to attract public attention or sell something.

• Ex) paid announcement in print, TV, or internet