Literature - Genre
Desk
Literature desk: Genre
A literary genre is a category of literary composition. Genres may be determined by literary technique, tone, content, or even (as in the case of fiction) length.
The distinctions between genres and categories are flexible and loosely defined, often with subgroups.
Genre is a label that characterizes what a reader can expect in a work of literature. The major forms of literature can be written in various genres. Genre is a category characterized by similarities in style, or subject matter.
Examples of genres of literature are:
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Fiction - fictional novel
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This is a long story. It is imaginary. It describes fictional characters and events. |
| poem |
This is a type of literature that uses aesthetic qualities and the sound of words to give meaning and emotion. It is expressive. |
| non fiction |
This is about real life. It includes newspapers, journals, diaries and textbooks. This literature usually passes on information. |
| biography |
This is a book written by the author about the life of another person. |
| autobiography |
This is a book written by the author about him or herself. |
| drama |
This is designed to be performed in some way. It might be a play for radio, television, theatre, or film. |
Introduction
Introduction - Genre
Genre means kind or type. Genre can be based on many things including:
- The tone of the writing
- The writing style
- The narrative technique
How long it is? Short stories are short!
What it’s about? Is it about romance? Or history?
It is true or has it been made up by the author?
Why do we need to know about genre?
Well, written works that have the same characteristics are in the same genre.
That means that you know what to expect.
For example a historical short story – you know that it will take place at a time in the past (history). It will be a short piece (short) and it’s a narrative (story).
This section contains 4 steps. Work them through step by step.
| Step |
Activity |
| 1 |
Match the genres with the descriptions.
Make a genre list of the books your read. |
| 2 |
Answer the questions about your travelling by train experiences. |
| 3 |
Read the first chapter of a book. Answer comprehension questions.
Reply to a question about fiction and travel writing.
Read a poem. Answer the questions. Compare first chapter and poem. Write in 150 words the best captures of feeling home. |
| 4 |
Write about what you miss at home when you are travelling. |
Step 1
Read the descriptions and match them to the genres.
| 1 fictional novel |
a This is a type of literature that uses aesthetic qualities and the sound of words to give meaning and emotion. It is expressive. |
| 2 poem |
b This is a book written by the author about him or herself. |
| 3 non fiction |
c This is designed to be performed in some way. It might be a play for radio, television, theatre, or film. |
| 4 biography |
d This is about real life. It includes newspapers, journals, diaries and textbooks. This literature usually passes on information. |
| 5 autobiography |
e This is a book written by the author about the life of another person. |
| 6 drama |
f This is a long story. It is imaginary. It describes fictional characters and events.
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Think about books that you have read recently. Can you list one of each?
Compare with your classmate. They can be books by authors of any nationality.
Step 2
Travelling by train
Read and answer these questions as fully as you can.
- Have you ever travelled by train? What was it like?
Describe your experience.
- Train travel is often seen as a romantic form of travel.
Why do you think this is?
Step 3
Read the first chapter of the book The Great Railway Bazaar Classics.
After reading the chapter, answer the following questions.
The Great Railway Bazaar Classics - Chapter 1
Comprehension questions
- Where is the author going?
- Why does he find train travel exciting?
- What did he seek, and what did he find?
- What do we learn about Duffill?
- How is England described?
- What do you think Duffill has in his ‘paper parcels’?
Check your answers.
- What does the author believe to be the difference between fiction and travel writing?
Now read Home thoughts, from Abroad by Robert Browning.
Home Thoughts, from Abroad
Answer the following questions.
- What is the poem describing?
- Find out what a ‘thrush’ is. What is the significance?
- Highlight the words at the end of the lines that rhyme. What is the pattern?
Check your answers.
Now compare and contrast the chapter from The Great Railway Bazaar and the poem, Home thoughts from abroad.
- In your opinion, which piece of writing best captures the feeling of home?
Give examples from the text and write about 150 words.
Imagine being away from your home. Write about what you would miss.
Use as much description as you can.
- Write about 150 words in a genre of your choice.
Step 4
Imagine being away from your home.
- Write about what you would miss.
- Use as much description as you can.
- Write about 150 words in a genre of your choice.
Discuss your answers with a classmate.
Answers
Literature: Genre
Step 1:
| 1 fictional novel |
f This is a long story. It is imaginary. It describes fictional characters and events. |
| 2 poem |
a This is a type of literature that uses aesthetic qualities and the sound of words to give meaning and emotion. It is expressive. |
| 3 non fiction |
d This is about real life. It includes newspapers, journals, diaries and textbooks. This literature usually passes on information. |
| 4 biography |
e This is a book written by the author about the life of another person. |
| 5 autobiography |
b This is a book written by the author about him or herself. |
| 6 drama |
c This is designed to be performed in some way. It might be a play for radio, television, theatre, or film. |
Step 3:
The Great Railway Bazaar Classics - Chapter 1
- To Asia
- He says that anything is possible, ‘.. I have seldom heard a train go by and not wished I was on it’ ‘whistles sing bewitchments: railways are irresistible bazaars, snaking along perfectly level no matter what the landscape, improving your mood with speed, and never upsetting your drink’.
- Sought trains and found passengers.
- Old, dressed in clothes that are too big from him and going to Istanbul.
- The suburbs overlap the farms.
- Students own answers but then it turns out to be sandwiches ‘A knife, a length of French bread, a tube of mustard and discs of bright red salami were spread before him. Lost in thought he slowly chewed his sandwich’.
The difference between fiction and travel writing according to the author:
'Recording what the eye sees and discovering what the imagination knows. Fiction is pure joy’.
Home Thoughts, from Abroad
- A springtime scene in England.
- A bird that sings over and over again.
Lest you should think he never could recapture
The first fine careless rapture!
- The verse is in 2 sections:
The first, shorter stanza sets the emotional tenor of the poem—the speaker longs for his home. This section rhymes ABABCCDD. The metrical pattern and the rhyme scheme give it a sort of rising and falling sense that mirrors the emotional rise and fall of the poem’s central theme: the burst of joy at thinking of home, then the resignation that home lies so far away.
The second section is longer, and rhymes AABCBCDDEEFF. The more even metrical pattern and more drawn-out rhyme plan allow for a more contemplative feel; it is here that the poet settles back and thinks on the progress of the seasons that cycle outside of him. In its metrical irregularity and surprising last line, as well as its overall tone, the poem suggests the work of Emily Dickinson.
(Adapted from Spark Notes http://www.sparknotes.com/poetry/browning/section5.rhtml )
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