Post on 19-Feb-2016
description
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