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CHAPTER 1: Topic 1

 Defining literature

 Recognizing its importance,

functions, characteristics, types,
genres,
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What is literature?
 Literature, derived from the Latin word littera which
means letter or handwriting, encompasses of various
types from poetry to drama.

 Although nowadays literature seems to gradually lose

its value within the modern society, literature remains
an essential portion to it.

 Literature is a leading role in the development of our

society by shaping ourcivilization, developing each
individual tolerance, and catalyzing the procurement of
our social actions.
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What is genre in the context of
literature?

 Genre is the classification and organization of literary works into

the following categories: poetry, drama, prose, fiction, and
nonfiction.

 The works are divided based on their form, content, and style.
While there are subcategories to each of these genres, these
are the main categories in which literature is divided.
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The Function of Genre

 This allows readers to discern whether or not the

events being written about in a piece are factual or
imaginative.

 Genre also distinguishes the purpose of the piece

and the way in which it is to be delivered. In other
words, plays are meant to be performed and
speeches are meant to be delivered orally whereas
novels and memoirs are meant to be read.
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Genre and Subgenre
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5 Main Genres

1. Nonfiction: writing that is true

2. Fiction: imaginative or made up writing

3. Folklore: stories once passed down orally

4. Drama: a play or script

5. Poetry: writing concerned with the beauty of language

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Nonfiction Subgenres
 Persuasive Writing

 Informational Writing

 Autobiography

 Biography

Latin Roots

 Auto = Self Bio = Life Graphy = Writing

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Fiction Subgenres

 Historical Fiction: set in the past and based on real people and/or events

 Science Fiction: has aliens, robots, futuristic technology and/or space

ships

 Realistic Fiction: has no elements of fantasy; could be true but isn’t

 Fantasy: has monsters, magic, or characters with superpowers

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Folklore Subgenres

 Folklore/Folktales usually has an “unknown” author or will be

“retold” or “adapted” by the author.

Fable: short story with personified animals and a moral

Personified: given the traits of people

Moral: lesson or message of a fable

Myth: has gods/goddesses and usually accounts for the creation

of something.

Legend: Exaggerated in a serious way