TOPIC: Review of Children's Literature!
In my essay I'm going to write about the four (4) children's literature which encompasses a wide
range of genres. Firstly I'm going to write each with unique characteristics,the examples and the
evidence of each genres.
Secondly, the similarities of each of the four genres.The next point is to differentiate each of the (4)
genres with their examples and finally to summarize their contents accordingly,my opinion on what
I like to read children's literature with a references.
Firstly, fantasy:
*Fantasy is a genre that invites readers into worlds that defy the laws of reality. It is characterized
by the presence of magical elements, mythical creatures and alternate realities. Classic examples
include J. R. R. Talkien's "The lord of Rings" and J. K. Rowling's "Harry Potter" series. In fantasy,
the narrative often revolves around a hero's journey, exploring themes of good versus evil, personal
growth and the battle against dark forces. The settings are typically imaginative, ranging from
enchanted forest to entire planets governed by their own rules.
Secondly,mystery :
*Mystery, on the other hand, revolves around the unraveling of secrets and the pursuit of truth. It
engages readers through suspense and intrigue, often centering on a crime or puzzling events that
need to be solved. Iconic works in this genre include Arthur Conan Doyle's "Sherlock Holmes"
series and Agatha Christie's "Murder on the Orient Express." The Hallmark of mystery is its focus
on investigation and deduction, where characters, often detectives or a amateur sleuth, piece
together clues to reveal the truth. Unlike fantasy, mystery is grounded in reality, through it may
incorporate elements that are slightly unconventional.
Thirdly, adventure!
*Adventure is a genre that emphasizes excitement, exploration and physical challenges. It often
involves a protagonist embarking on a journey filled with peril and action, striving to achieve a
specific goal or discover new horizons. Classic adventure tales like Robert Louis Stevenson's
"Treasure Island" and Jules Verne's "Around the World in Eighty Days" illustrate the thrill of
exploration and the spirit of discovery. Adventure stories may overlap with both fantasy and
mystery; however, their primary focus is on the journey itself, rather than the resolution of a puzzle
or the implementation of magical elements.
Fourtly, legends!
*Legends are traditional narratives that often blend historical facts with mythical elements. They
serve to explain the origins of a culture, more lessons, or significant events. Legends can be found
in various cultures around the world, such as the legends of King Arthur in Britain or the tales of
Native American folklore. While legends may incorporate fantastical elements, they usually convey
deeper meanings and truths about human experience and societal values. They often reflect
collective memory of a people and can serve as a source of inspiration and identity.
While fantasy, mystery, adventure and legends in similarly, each have distinct characteristics, they
share similarities that often blur the lines between them. All four genres can feature protagonists
who embark on quest, face abstacles and undergo transformations. They also engage readers
imaginatives, encouraging them to explore new Worlds, solve problems and reflect on moral
dilemmas.
However, their primary focus and the nature of their conflicts differ significantly. Fantasy is rooted
in the extraordinary, mystery in the intellectual pursuit of truth, adventure in physical challenges
and exploration and legends in cultural identity and moral lessons. These genres can complement
each other with many works incorporating elements from multiple categories, creating rich and
layered narratives.
In conclusion, fantasy, mystery, adventure and legends are four dynamic genres that contribute
uniquely to the tapestry of story telling. Each genre captivates audiences through its distinct
characteristics while sharing common themes of exploration, conflict and transformation. By
understanding the differences and similarities among these genres, readers can appreciate the
diverse ways in which narratives can inspire, challenge and entertain.
REFERENCES:
1. Tolkien, J. R. R. (1954) . The fellowship of the Ring. Houghton Mifflin Harcourt. .
2. Doyle Arthur Conan. (1887) . A Study in Scarlet. Ward, Lock k& Co.
3. Stevenson, Robert Louis. (1883) . Treasure Island. Cassell & Company
