Genre Definition
Genre means the type of art, literature or music characterized by a specific
form, content and style. For example, literature has four main genres;
poetry, drama, fiction and non-fiction. All of these genres have particular
features and functions that distinguish them from one another. Hence, it is
necessary on the part of readers to know which category of genre they are
reading in order to understand the message it conveys, as they may have
certain expectations prior to the reading concerned.
Types of Genre
There are five types of genres in literature, which include:
Poetry
Poetry is the first major literary genre. All types of poetry share specific
characteristics. In fact, poetry is a form of text that follows
a meter and rhythm with each lines and syllables. It is further subdivided into
different genres such an epic poem, narrative, romantic, dramatic, and lyric.
Dramatic poetry includesmelodrama, tragedy and comedy, while other poems
includes ode, sonnet, elegy, ballad, song and epics. Popular examples of epic
poems are Paradise Lost by John Milton, The Iliad and The Odyssey by
Homer and romantic poem includes, Red Red Rose by Robert Burns etc. All
these poetic forms share specific features such as they do not follow
paragraphs or sentences; they use stanzas and lines instead. Some forms
follow very strict rules of length and number of stanzas and lines such
as villanelle, sonnet and haiku etc. while some may be free like a
free verse poem Feelings, Now by Katherine Foreman that is devoid of any
regular meter and rhyme scheme. Besides that, often poetry usesfigurative
language like metaphor, simile, onomatopoeia, hyperbole, and alliteration, etc.
to create heightened effects.
Drama
Drama is a form of text that is performed in front of an audience. It is also
called a play. Its written text contains dialogues, and stage directions. This
genre has further categories such as comedy, tragedy,tragicomedy etc.
William Shakespeare is known as the father of English drama. His well-known
plays include Taming of the Shrew, Romeo & Juliet and Hamlet, while Greek
playwrights were the pioneers in this field such as Sophocles masterpiece
is Oedipus Rex and Antigone, while modern dramas includeDeath of a
Salesman by Arthur Miller etc.
Prose
It is a kind of written text different from poetry in that it has complete
sentences organized into paragraphs. Unlike poetry, prose focuses on
characters and plot than focusing on sounds. It includes short stories and
novels, while fiction and non-fiction are its sub genres. Prose is further
categorized into essays, speeches, sermons and interpretations.
Fiction
Fiction has three categories that are, realistic, non-realistic and semi-fiction.
Usually, fiction work is not real and therefore, authors can use complex
figurative language to touch readers imagination. Unlike poetry, it is more
structured, follows proper grammatical pattern and correct mechanics. A
fictional work may incorporate fantastical and imaginary ideas from everyday
life. It comprises some important elements such as
plot, exposition, foreshadowing, rising action, climax, falling action and
resolution. The popular examples of literary fiction include, James
Joyces novel A Portrait of an Artist as a Young Man, CharlesDickens A Tale
of Two Cities, Jane Austens Pride and Prejudice, and Harper Lees To Kill a
Mockingbird, etc.
Non-Fiction
Non-fiction is a vast category that also has sub-genres; it could be creative
like personal essay, and factual like scientific paper. It may also use figurative
language, however, not abundantly like poetry, or fiction has. Sometimes, it
may tell a story like autobiography, or sometimes it may convey the
information to the readers. Other examples of non-fiction include biographies,
diaries, memoirs, journals, fantasies, mysteries and romances. The popular
example of non-fiction genre is Michael Pollans highly celebrated book, The
Omnivores Dilemma: A Natural History of Four Meals, which is an account
about eating habits of Americans.
Function of Genre
Depending upon their types, different genres have different roles. For
example, fiction and dramatic genres help students and writers learn and
improve their communication skills. A poetic genre, on the other hand,
enhances imaginative and emotional power of the readers. Non-fictional texts
and essays help readers develop analytical and persuasive capabilities.
However, the major function of genre is to establish a code of behavior
between the writers and audience, and keep the readers informed about the
topics discussed or the themes presented.
