Transcript Elements of Literature - Saint Xavier University

Genres of Literature
Genre
a type of literature
 5 Main Genres:
Fiction
Nonfiction
Poetry
Drama
Folk Literature

Fiction vs. Nonfiction

Fiction: writing that tells about
imaginary characters and events
(includes characters, setting, plot, and
theme)

Nonfiction: deals only with real
people, events, and ideas
(purpose: explain, persuade, inform, or
entertain)
Types of Fiction

Novels
Novellas

Short Stories

Types of Nonfiction
Biographies
 Autobiographies
 Letters
 Journals and Diaries
 Essays
 Speeches
 Informational Texts (newspaper
articles or instructions)

Poetry

Poetry: “song of the soul”
Features of Poetry:
o Rhythm
o Rhyme
o Imagery
o Repetition
o Stanzas
o Figurative Language
Drama
A story written to be performed
by actors.
 Features:
-Script
-Dialogue
-Stage Directions
-Acts and Scenes
Example: Romeo and Juliet

Folk Literature
Began as oral tradition
 Usually has a universal theme
 Elements of Fantasy
 4 Kinds of Folk Literature:
-Folk Tales
-Fables
-Myths
-Legends
