Literary Genres Two Main Types Fiction Nonfiction Both

Literary Genres

Two Main Types Fiction Non-fiction Both can be divided into categories called GENRES: ◦ group of books which share style, form, or content

Non-Fiction � Non-Fiction: books that are based on known true facts; nothing is made up � Biographies – story of a person’s life written/told by another person � Autobiographies – story of a person’s life written/told by that person

Fiction – stories that are made up of elements from the author’s imagination

Genres of Fiction Realistic Fiction – fictional stories that could actually happen ◦ Ex. The Outsiders, Bridge to Terabithia Mystery / Suspense – usually realistic stories about mysterious events or unsolved crimes ◦ Ex. Hardy Boys, Nancy Drew, Fear Street books

(more genres of fiction) �Fantasy – contains elements that are NOT realistic, such as talking animals, magical powers, etc. This genre is all about make-believe ◦ Ex. “Rikki-tavi, ” Harry Potter series �Historical Fiction – stories that take place in a particular time period in the past. Often the basic setting is real, but the characters are fictional. ◦ Ex. Number the Stars, The True Confessions of Charlotte Doyle

(still genres of fiction!) Science Fiction – stories that include futuristic technology and blend scientific fact with fictional elements ◦ Ex. A Wrinkle in Time, Farenheit 451

(genres of fiction) Folk Tales – stories with no known creator that were passed down from one generation to another by word of mouth (Myths, tall tales, legends, fables, and fairy tales are all folktales)

TALL tales Tall Tales – folk tales in which the main character is larger than life in some way ◦ Ex. Paul Bunyan

Fairy Tales. . . truth prevails over deception, generosity is ultimately rewarded, hard work overcomes obstacles, and love, mercy and kindness are the greatest powers of *theall. images on this slide are links!

Myths – stories that are meant to explain something about the world and involve gods, goddesses, & other supernatural beings ◦ Ex. Greek mythology, Native American mythology

Poetry – verse written to create a response of thought & feeling from the reader. It often uses rhyme & rhythm to convey its meaning. ◦ Ex. “Nothing Gold Can Stay” & “The Road Not Taken” both by Robert Frost

Drama– skits, musicals, or plays that use language, song, or dance to convey messages