Genre
Genre means a type of art, literature,
or music characterized by a specific form, content, and style. For
example, literature has five 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
· Drama
· Prose
· Fiction
· Non-Fiction
v 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 line and syllable. It is further
subdivided into different genres, such an epic poem, narrative,
romantic, dramatic, and lyric. Dramatic poetry
includes melodrama, tragedy, and comedy, while other poems
include ode, sonnet, elegy, ballad, song, and epic.
v 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, and tragicomedy. William Shakespeare is known as the father of English
drama. His well-known plays include Taming of the Shrew, Romeo &
Juliet, and Hamlet.
v Prose: This type of written text
is different from poetry in that it has complete sentences organized into
paragraphs. Unlike poetry, prose focuses
on characters and plot, rather 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.
v 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’ imaginations. 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.
v Non-fiction: Non-fiction is a vast
category that also has sub-genres; it could be creative like a personal essay, or factual, like a scientific paper. It may also use
figurative language, however, not unlike poetry, or fiction has. Sometimes,
non-fiction may tell a story, like an autobiography, or sometimes it may convey information to readers.
Function
of Genre
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.
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