How Would You Describe The Genre Of This Piece Of Writing? Poetry Drama Nonfiction Fiction

It seems like there is an infinite amount of genres in literature, but in reality, there are actually many sub-genres. These sub-genres stem from the three primary forms of literature: Poetry, Drama, and Prose . Students will typically encounter these forms of literature for most of what they read and write about in school, so it's important for students to be able to recognize them and know their key characteristics.

Main Literary Genres

Poetry

Poetry is the most intense form of writing. It allows a writer to express his or her deepest emotions and thoughts in a very personal way. It relies heavily on figurative language, rhythm, and imagery to relay its message to readers.

Primary Sub-Genres of Poetry

Songs and Ballads
Lyric
Epic
Dramatic
Narrative

Drama

Drama is a literary work written to be performed in front of an audience. It contains dialogue, and actors impersonate the characters. It is usually divided into acts or scenes, and relies on props or imaginative dialogue to create a visual experience for the audience.

Primary Sub-Genres of Drama

Tragedy
Comedy
History
Melodrama
Musical

Prose

Prose is the most common form of writing. It is not restricted by rhythm or dialogue, and it most closely resembles everyday speech. It is usually straightforward, and may utilize figurative language, dialogue, characters, and imagery.

Prose writing is often divided into two primary categories:

Fiction

Fiction is narrative writing that originates from the author's imagination. It is designed to entertain, but it can also inspire, inform, or persuade.

Primary Sub-Genres of Fiction

Novel
Novella
Short Story
Myths and Legends
Fables

Nonfiction

Nonfiction is writing that is based on true events, people, places, and facts. It is designed to inform, and sometimes to entertain.

Primary Sub-Genres of Nonfiction

Autobiography
Biography
Essay
Diaries and Journals
Narrative Nonfiction

Prose: Sub-genres of Fiction

Prose: Sub-genres of Nonfiction

A Note About Speeches...

While not one of the primary genres of literature, speeches are important historical documents or moments and literature, and they don't always fit neatly into one of the three primary genre categories. A speech is a formal address given to an audience. Speeches can be found in prose, drama, and poetry, and their primary goals are to persuade, inform, demonstrate, or entertain a reader, an audience, or other characters. They can also be used in nonfiction or fiction, depending on their purpose and use.