Genres of Oral Literature
Oral literature refers to works that are passed down
orally through generations.
Sub genres include:
Folktales: Fictional stories often used to teach
morals or explain natural events.
Myths: Sacred narratives that explain the origins of
the world, gods, or people.
Legends: Stories rooted in historical events but
exaggerated over time.
Proverbs: Short, wise sayings that express truths or
give advice.
Songs and Chants: Express cultural values or
emotions, often accompanied by music or rhythm.
Riddles: Puzzles or questions posed for
entertainment or intellectual challenge.
Fables: Stories featuring animals that teach moral
lessons.
1. Oral Poetry:poems that are performed and
recited rather than written, often with rhythm and
music to express emotions or cultural values.
Example: War songs, praise songs, dirges.
2. Oral Narratives:Stories passed down verbally
through generations to explain historical events,
cultural beliefs, or teach moral lessons.
Example: Myths, legends, folktales.
3. Short Forms:Brief sayings or expressions that
convey wisdom, humor, or puzzles.
Example: proverbs, riddles, and tongue twisters.
1.GENRES👆of oral lit Simile: A comparison using
"like" or "as".
Example: "She is as brave as a lion."
Metaphor: A direct comparison without using "like"
or "as".
Example: "Time is a thief."
Personification: Giving human traits to non-human
things.
Example: "The flowers danced in the wind."
Alliteration: Repetition of the same initial consonant
sound in a series of words.
Example: "Sally sells seashells by the seashore."
Onomatopoeia: Words that imitate sounds.
Example: "The cat meowed."
Hyperbole: Extreme exaggeration for effect.
Example: "I've told you a million times."
Irony: Saying the opposite of what is meant, often
for humorous or emphatic effect.
Example: "What a lovely day!" (said during a storm).
Oxymoron: A combination of contradictory terms.
Example: "Bittersweet."
[15:12, 11/09/2024] Jamalee: 2. FIGURES OF
SPEECH👆
1. Appreciating and Analyzing Plays:
Plot: Sequence of events and conflict resolution.
Characterization: Development through dialogue
and actions.
Themes: Central ideas or messages.
Dialogue: Key for character development and plot.
Staging: Includes costumes, lighting, and set.
Audience Interaction: Direct or indirect
engagement.
2. Common Terms Used in Plays:
Act: Major division.
Scene: Subdivision of an act.
Monologue: Long speech by one character.
Dialogue: Conversation between characters.
Soliloquy: Speech revealing inner thoughts.
Aside: Remark to the audience.
Stage Directions: Instructions for performance.
3. Features that Differentiate Plays:
Dialogue-Driven: Focus on spoken words.
Performance Aspect: Meant for live performance.
Stage Directions: Guides actors and technical
elements.
Time/Space Constraints: Real-time, limited
locations.
Collaborative: Involves multiple creatives (actors,
directors)
form: The structure and style of a work
Content: The subject matter and ideas of a work
Parts of form
Structure: The organization of the work (e.g.,
chapters, acts).
Genre: The category (e.g., novel, poem, play).
Style: The author’s unique way of expression (e.g.,
formal, informal).
Language: Choices in diction, syntax, and tone.
Narrative Perspective: Point of view (e.g., first-
person, third-person).
Part of content
Plot: Sequence of events and conflict.
Characters: Individuals involved in the story.
Setting: Time and place of the story.
Theme: Central ideas or messages.
Symbols: Objects or actions that represent deeper meanings
