Literary Genre
Literary genre refers to how the author has chosen to tell his or her story. At its most basic level, it is a study of what particular type of text the author has chosen to create. Novels, plays and films all differ from each other in numerous significant ways, and an understanding of this is important for any appreciation of literary genre.
Within each format, there are different genres, each with its own conventions which help to define it (e.g. romance, war, comedy, soap, western, sci-fi, etc.).
In addition, there are other key elements in the creation of any text which must be identified and compared with the other texts:
Within each format, there are different genres, each with its own conventions which help to define it (e.g. romance, war, comedy, soap, western, sci-fi, etc.).
In addition, there are other key elements in the creation of any text which must be identified and compared with the other texts:
- Structure of the story - does it follow traditional linear structure with beginning, middle and end? Perhaps the author has chosen to alter the structure by using flashbacks, dream sequences, etc.
- Narrator - does the author invoke a use of first person narrator, third person or omniscient (all-knowing) narrator? What is the effect of the type of narrator chosen on the telling of the story?
- Imagery and symbolism - while these enrich any story by adding layers of meaning to it, the author will probably have had some purpose in mind in creating these images and symbols. What was this purpose, and how does it affect the telling of the story?
- Other aspects of literary genre include suspense, tension, climax and setting.
- The way in which an author chooses to end his/her particular story is a significant element of literary genre. In many ways, the ending defines a story. One must consider why an author has chosen a particular ending.