Introduction to English 9- Unit 0 Genres in literature Introduction to English 9- Unit 0
What is a genre? “a category of artistic composition, as in music or literature, characterized by similarities in form, style, or subject matter.” Simplified: things in a category that have similarities in style, form, or subject.
Fiction: characteristics Imaginary characters and settings Tells a story (plot) Often conveys a theme or message/ moral about life
Non-fiction: Characteristics Based on facts Provides information Credible authors
Drama: characteristics Intended to be performed on stage Dramatic irony often occurs Dramatic irony: a literary technique, originally used in Greek tragedy, by which the full significance of a character's words or actions are clear to the audience or reader although unknown to the character. Includes dialogue Dialogue: conversation between two or more people as a feature of a book, play, or movie.
Historical fiction: characteristics Setting (the when and where) is a definite time period in history The conflict is realistic to the time period Mixture of fictional and real characters
Science fiction: characteristics Often based on scientific principles and technology May make predictions about life in the future Often deals with aliens or life on other worlds
Poetry: Characteristics Often written in stanzas Plays with sounds of words and the rhythms of phrases Use the sounds of language in deliberate ways
Satire: characteristics Employs wit in the form of irony, innuendo, or outright derision to expose human wickedness and folly Employs humor and wit to criticize human institutions or humanity itself. Example: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kOLwDBcgSjs What is being satirized? How do we know?
Technical Writing: Characteristics Often gives directions or explains a process Often relates to science or technology Often uses visuals to help with the explanation
Novel: Characteristics A long work of fiction Often divided into chapters Elements include plot, character, setting, conflict, and theme