Literature is like an unlimited expanse, a cluster of tales, types, and structures that in its totality talks about the human experience. We find ourselves lost in this vast universe only with the help of genre; that’s one of the main tools we use to structure our experience. Genre makes it possible to categorize literature into different types. Each genre is distinct in its approach and subject matter.
Definition of Genre
Genre is a French word, which means the “type” or “kind”. It refers to the distribution of the literary works which denote the conventions, themes, settings and plot structure. It works as a useful guideline on writing for both authors and readers.
It helps in directing the thought process of an author and also provides help to the readers so that they can choose books that are like their personality or mood.
Types of Genres in Literature
Literature has been categorized into several genres. Each genre offers a unique storytelling elements and exploring different features of the life. Here are some major genres:
I- Fiction
It includes narratives literary pieces whose contents are produced by the imaginations and can be either fictional or factual. Sub-genres call site-based cinema, science fiction, fictional history, and romance.
II- Nonfiction
Nonfiction contains works in which facts dominate. These are often educational, e.g. biographies, autobiographies, essays and documentaries.
III- Drama
Mainly written in a way of script and prepared for its theatrical performance, via in which the roles and personal characteristics of characters are demonstrated through their conversations and actions.
IV- Poetry
An effective tool that enables one to create and communicate feelings using limited words by applying the various poetic forms that include sonnets, haikus, and free verse.
V- Folklore
It contains the elements of the culture such as the stories, legends, and tales that the people tell to each other.
These elements are disseminated through oral transmission from generation to generation.
It includes stories of the fairy tales, legends, fables, and proverbs.
Examples of Genres in Literature
1- Mystery
This device is often seen in crime, horror, or science fiction films. It normally has a complex plot and operates a strained situation preventing the reader from guessing what will happen next.
It also has a cliff hanger and finally puts an end to all speculations regarding problems it created.
Example in literature
“The Murder of Roger Ackroyd” by Agatha Christie
“The room was dimly lit. I came in, closing the door behind me, and for a moment I stood with my back against it, looking round. I could hear the grandfather clock ticking away in the hall, but otherwise, everything was deadly still.”
In this particular passage from Agatha Christie’s timeless mystery novel, one can see a perfect embodiment of the genre itself, but also an excellent idea of how the setting plays a crucial role in creating the needed mood.
The dim lighting, repeatedly ticking clock, and general quietness make up a general plot where every detail gets to the point to showcase a puzzle that needs solving.
Christie’s narrative setup here is designed to engage the readers, creating a sense of intrigue and prompting them to unravel the story’s core mystery.
See also: Literary Device That Start With K
2- Fantasy
They bring fantastic, rather not real lifelike effects into the world. Usually based at the fantastically magic-like world which is imagined.
Example in literature
“The Hobbit” by J.R.R. Tolkien
“In a hole in the ground there lived a hobbit. Not a nasty, dirty, wet hole, filled with the ends of worms and an oozy smell, nor yet a dry, bare, sandy hole with nothing in it to sit down on or to eat: it was a hobbit-hole, and that means comfort.”
The opening line brings the readers to another place.
The writer in-depth description of a hobbit-hole starts the characterization of the hobbits themselves, as opposed to just introducing a race.
It is done this way considering the world to be fantastical, so its construction must be carefully thought out.
Furthermore, the descriptions of the hobbit-holes capture the reader, making them want to dwell inside them, while the journey is epic, starting outside.
3- Romance
It discusses about love and the relationship between the people. Usually, these stories are namelessly arranged for motivational purposes and achieve satisfaction of emotions with the best happy ending possible.
Example in literature
“Pride and Prejudice” by Jane Austen
“In vain have I struggled. It will not do. My feelings will not be repressed. You must allow me to tell you how ardently I admire and love you.”
The declaration of Mr. Darcy to Elizabeth Bennet is the perfect example of the kind of romance genre.
The deep internal feelings, struggle with the emotion and expressions of love are the main themes in romance novels.
Austen’s work captures the emotional depth of her characters. She highlights the challenges that her characters face in navigating the social norms and personal desires that shape their lives.
4- Science Fiction
Science fiction traces the fact in the future, which will be connected with cosmic explorations, time travelling’s and the consequences of scientific innovations.
Example in literature
“Neuromancer” by William Gibson
“The sky above the port was the color of television, tuned to a dead channel.”
The novel is one of the masterpieces of the William Gibson.
The opening line sets a innovational tone and blending technology with the environment to form a dystopian vision of the future. Here, the analogy of the sky to a dead T.V. channel introduces a world where the technology pervades each aspect of the life.
The narratives of the writer often inspect the themes of the artificial intelligence, the blend of the biological nature with the technological and typical of science fiction’s speculative nature.
5- Horror
Horror genre is written in a way to cause fear, scare or to disturb the reader by putting eerie and shocking material. It typically has formula that is dark and sometimes scary.
Example in literature
“Dracula” by Bram Stoker
“I could feel the soft, shivering touch of the lips on the super-sensitive skin of my throat, and the hard dents of two sharp teeth, just touching and pausing there.”
Here, this suspenseful dialogue gives a glimpse of what horror is all about.
The thesis on the physical sensations that describe a vampire bite- the kiss, the bite happens just because- the soft lips followed by the sharp teeth- scares and appall the reader.
Dracula’s characterization and Stoker’s use of thrilling, sinister atmosphere in the novel are indispensable to horror stories where the reader effectively fears, feels suspenseful and their skin gets goose bumped.
Such movies reveal the shady aspects in common people and supernatural features, which is only a raw material for the actors to excel in the most emotional performance ever.
Importance of Genres
A role of genre in literature is not exaggerable actually, because it accomplishes many pivotal aims as for a writer or reader.
For each author genre has it’s set of conventions and idiosyncrasies that enable the creative process become targeted and more direct, making readers connect with the intended audience much easier.
Genres serve their purpose of easy communication for the readers, critics, and scholars to keep the communication and analysis productive and unlock the particular beauty of a literary book.
Moreover, the genres show the society norm, and tradition, thus helping to comprehend what the humans values, how they are afraid, and what they wish to achieve at different times and places.
Collectively, genre construction plays an essential role in the literary world, thereby guiding various aspects like selling literary works or even academic research.
The knowledge of genre in literature and pop culture is a factor that enhances the reading and watching experience and makes us appreciate the stories more deeply, as we can see how various tales are made and what they want to say.
Whatever is the case, whether it is about the dark corridors of horror or a thrilling mystery that is untangled or the fantastic realms of fantasy, genres help to compartmentalize the world’s narratives in a manner that helps to understand it better and enjoy it more.
See also: 21 Examples of Haiku in Literature
