Genres/Branches of Literature – SS1 Nigerian History Lesson Note (First Term)

A genre is a category of literature based on the type of writing a piece exemplifies through its content, form or style. The word “genre” is French and means “kind” or “sort”. Literature has three genres: poetry, prose (fiction or non-fiction) and drama. Each genre has its own features and types.

Behavioural objectives

By the end of the lesson, students should be able to:

1. explain the meaning and origin of the word “genre”;
2. name the three genres of literature;
3. state the characteristics of poetry, prose and drama;
4. list the elements of prose fiction;
5. name the types of poetry, prose and drama.

What are the genres of literature?

In literature, there are three genres:

1. Poetry
2. Prose, which can be fiction or non-fiction
3. Drama

What is poetry?

According to Samuel Taylor Coleridge and William Wordsworth in their work Lyrical Ballads (1798), poetry is the spontaneous overflow of powerful emotions recollected in tranquillity. Poetry is a major literary genre that can take many forms.

Characteristics of poetry

Poetry is written in lines that have metre and rhythm. These lines are put together to form stanzas, unlike other writing, which uses sentences divided into paragraphs. Poetry often relies on figurative language, such as metaphors and similes, to convey meaning and create images for the reader.

Types of poetry

• Sonnet
• Ode
• Dirge
• Epic
• Ballad
• Pastoral poem
• Panegyric
• Limerick
• Lyric

There are other types as well.

What is prose?

Prose describes all discourse, written or spoken, that is not patterned into metrical forms. Some regard prose as the language of everyday speech and writing. Fictional writing is generally described as prose because it deals with narrative experiences that are invented or contrived.

Characteristics of prose

1. Straightforward, ordinary language
2. Usually written in complete sentences
3. Usually divided into paragraphs
4. Does not usually have a regular rhythmic pattern
5. Uses narrative technique

Elements of prose fiction

1. Theme: the general idea of a story, which is its central message.
2. Setting: where and when the story occurs. The setting also includes context beyond the surroundings of the story, such as society, culture, historical period (date), geography and occupation.
3. Plot: the sequence of events.
4. Point of view: the angle from which the story is seen or told.
5. Character and characterization: a character is an individual (usually a person) who takes part in a story. Characterization is the method the writer uses to develop a character.
6. Symbols: the language style used by the author.
7. Atmosphere: the condition and emotion in a story.

Types of prose

• Picaresque novels (pronounced Pik-ã-resx)
• Epistolary novels
• Historical novels
• Gothic novels
• Campus novels

What is drama?

Drama is often called a play and is performed in front of an audience. It is a literary work meant to be performed on stage by a cast of actors and actresses. Dramas are written through dialogue and include stage directions for the actors to follow.

Characteristics of drama

1. It is written in acts and scenes.
2. It is acted or performed on stage by actors and actresses.
3. It has a prologue and an epilogue.
4. The dialogue between characters is made up of sentences.
5. It uses dialogue among characters to convey its message to the audience.
6. It makes use of costumes and props.

“The Importance of Being Earnest” by Oscar Wilde is considered a drama because it is written through dialogue in the form of a script that gives stage directions to aid the actors in the performance of the play.

Forms of drama

There are three forms of drama:

• Comedy
• Tragedy
• Tragi-comedy

Evaluation

1. What does the word “genre” mean, and which language does it come from?
2. Name the three genres of literature.
3. State four characteristics of prose.
4. List five types of poetry.
5. Why is “The Importance of Being Earnest” considered a drama?

Assignment

1. Explain any three elements of prose fiction.
2. State four characteristics of drama and name the three forms of drama.