Concept Note No.

4:
TYPES OF LITERATURE

1. Prose – is a form or technique of language that exhibits a natural flow of speech and
grammatical structure.
Fiction – it only exists in the artist’s imagination. It is in narrative form.
Non-fiction – It is a form that is based on real descriptions or facts.

2. Poetry – is a type of literature based on the interplay of words and rhythm. It often employs
rhyme and meter.
Narrative – is a form of poetry that tells a story, with the use of the voices of
narrator and characters as well. The entire story is written in metered verse.
1. Epic – a long narrative poem about the deeds of legendary or historical
hero.
2. Ballad – a narrative composition in rhythmic verse suitable for singing.
Lyric – are short poems originally accompanied by music.
1. Elegy – a song or poem expressing sorrow or lamentation especially to
the dead loved ones.
2. Ode – a poem usually marked by exaltation of feeling and style, varying
length of line and complexity of stanza forms.
Dramatic – tells a story and connects the reader or an audience through
emotions and behavior. Closely related to acting, it can be spoken or sung.

Two types of Prose

Fiction Non-fiction

A. Novel A. Essay
B. Short Story B. Autobiography
C. Play C. Biography
D. Legend
E. Fable

Three types of Poetry

Narrative Poetry Lyrical Poem Dramatical Poetry
A. Epic A. Ode A. Comedia
B. Metrical Tale B. Elegy B. Melodrama
C. Ballad C. Song C. Tragedy
D. Sonnet D. Farce
E. Folksongs E. Social Poems
F. Psalms