 Genres of Literature

What is a genre?  A type or category of literature or writing

What is fiction?  A type of literature that is based on characters or events  “FAKE” or not true

What is Historical Fiction?  A type of literature that uses fictional characters in a historical setting.

What is science fiction?  Stories are based on scientific ideas.  Think of “Sci-Fi” alien movies

What is realistic fiction?  A type of literature in which the stories are NOT true…but they could actually happen.

What is nonfiction?  A type of literature about real people, places, or events  Examples: newspapers, biographies  “NOT FAKE”

What is an autobiography?  A type of literature in which someone writes a story about their own life.

What is a biography?  A story about someone’s life NOT WRITTEN BY THAT PERSON!

What is poetry?  A type of literature in which ideas, images, and feelings are expressed in a few words

What is folklore?  A type of literature that tells about traditions, customs, and myths that are passed down within a culture

What is fantasy?  A type of literature involving strange or unusual characters and settings that are not true to reality.

What is mystery?  A type of literature in which a crime or secret is trying to be solved.

What is a tall tale?  A tall tale is a funny story usually filled with “larger than life” characters.

What is a fairy tale?  A fairy tale is a children’s story usually written about fairies or other magical creatures.

What is a legend?  A legend is a story about a hero that is generally based on facts.

What is a fable?  A fable generally has a moral and involves animals as characters.

What is drama?  A type of literature ( plays ) that are meant to be preformed in front of an audience

What is horror?  Literature involving horror generally deals with scary stories based on murders, creatures, etc.

What is humor?  Funny stories, comedy

What is mythology?  Mythological stories deal with gods and goddesses.