Understanding Literature: Genres, Fiction and Nonfiction

What is Literature?

• Literature captures fleeting moments of human experiences through a creative lens.
• The word "literature" originates from the Latin word "literatura," stemming from the root "littera" (letter or writing, spoken or written).

What are Literary Genres?

• Genres are categories of literature categorized by technique, tone, content and length (especially in fiction.)
• Genres are not determined by age group (e.g., YA, children's books), or literary formats (e.g., graphic novels, picture books.)
• Genres can encompass narrative forms like romance, comedy, historical fiction, action, thriller or suspense.
• Genres may encompass subgenres and mix of different genres or subgenres.

Fiction Vs Nonfiction

• Fiction is an imaginative creation that mirrors reality, containing elements of truthfulness. It can be prose or poetry
• Fiction is divided into prose and poetry. Examples include short stories, novels, films and drama.
• Creative Nonfiction combines elements of fiction and non-fiction principles. Its crafted stories are grounded in truthful events and characters.
• Creative Nonfiction characteristics include: factual elements and clear evidence, detailed elements, chronological or non-chronological narratives, and prose form.
• Examples of Creative Nonfiction include autobiographies/biographies (person's life history), memoirs (collections of memories written by the person), Literary Journalism/Reportage (factual reports presented artistically), blogs, essays, travelogues, flash essays, and testimonials.

Explore the essence of literature, tracing its origins and defining literary genres based on technique, tone, and content. Understand the distinction between fiction and nonfiction, with examples of prose, poetry, and creative nonfiction.