ENGLISH-LITERARY GENRES Flashcards
ESSAY
expresses author’s argument , viewpoint or reflection on a topic
ex.
A room of one’s own by Virginia Wolf
Self-Reliance by Ralph Waldo Emerson
ESSAY
experiences, observations and reflections during travels
ex.
>Eat, Pray and Love by Elizabeth Gilbert
TRAVEL WRITING
inform, explain, describe a topic in a clear and organized manner
EXPOSITORY WRITING
report news, inform the public. or provide analysis on current events
JOURNALISM
intended for performance
ex.
The Last Duchess by Robert Browning
DRAMA
involves the downfall of a hero due to a tragic flaw
ex.
>Hamlet by William Shakespeare
> Death of a Salesman by Arthur Miller
TRAGEDY
amuse and entertain through humor
ex.
>A Midsummer Night’s Dream by William Shakespeare
>The importance of being earnest by Oscar Wilde
COMEDY
blends elements of Tragedy and Comedy
ex.
>Waiting for Godot by Samuel Beckett
TRAGICOMEDY
has songs and dance numbers to tell the story
ex.
>Les Misérables by Victor Hugo
MUSICAL
sensationalized events, plots, characters, good vs. evil
ex.
>Uncle Tom’s Cabin by Harriet Beecher
>Octoroon by Dion Boucicault
MELODRAMA
ridiculous plots, exaggerated characters, and over the top situations for comedic effect
FARCE
simple story with moral or religious lesson
ex.
>The Prodigal Son
PARABLE
the author’s life self-written biography
AUTO BIOGRAPHY
central conflict, build up tension
RISING ACTION
turning point or intense moment
CLIMAX
lead to resolution
FALLING ACTION
conclusion of the story
DENOUEMENT
long, complex story with subplots
NOVEL