Genres of Literature

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What Are Genres?

**Genres** are just different types of writing. Think of them like categories for stories and books.

The chart shows four main categories: **Fiction**, **Non-Fiction**, **Poetry**, and **Drama**.

1. Fiction

**Fiction** is for stories that are not real. The characters and events are invented by the author.

• **Novel:** A long story, like "Harry Potter."
• **Short Stories:** A story that is much shorter than a novel.
• **Romance:** A love story, like "Romeo and Juliet."

2. Non-Fiction

**Non-Fiction** is for writing that is based on real events, people, and facts.

• **Essay:** A short piece of writing about a specific topic.
• **Autobiography:** A story about a person's life, written by that person.
• **Travelogue:** A book about a person's travels.
• **Biography:** A story about a person's life, written by someone else.

3. Poetry

**Poetry** uses special language and rhythm to express feelings and ideas. It often doesn't have a traditional story.

• **Ballad:** A poem that tells a story, often set to music.
• **Epic:** A long, narrative poem about heroes, like "The Odyssey."
• **Sonnet:** A poem with 14 lines and a specific rhyme pattern.
• **Ode:** A poem that praises a person, place, or thing.
• **Hymn:** A song or poem of praise, often religious.

4. Drama

**Drama** is a story written to be performed on a stage by actors.

• **Comedy:** A play that is funny and has a happy ending.
• **Tragedy:** A play that is sad and often ends with the death or downfall of the main character.
• **Tragicomedy:** A play that combines elements of both tragedy and comedy.
• **Melodrama:** A play with exaggerated emotions and simple characters (very good vs. very evil).

Quiz Time!

Test your knowledge of literary genres.

Quiz Results

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