Learning About Literature

Mrs. Burroughs

English I&

English I Honors

Forms of Literature

There are SO many different styles of music such as country and rap. It’s the same way when it comes to literature.

Each form of literature is called a genre and has its own distinct characteristics.

Literary Genres

Short Story Nonfiction Drama Poetry Folk Literature

Short Story

A short story is a brief work of fiction

In most short stories, one main character faces a conflict that is resolved in the plot.

It usually has a theme, or a message about life.

Nonfiction

Nonfiction is writing that tells about real people, places, objects, events, and ideas.

Many of the nonfiction articles that we will cover are either essays or biographical or autobiographical sketches.

They all discuss the real world as opposed to an imaginary one.

The author may wish to convey and explain information, convince readers to accept particular idea or opinion or simply entertain and amuse readers.

Drama

Drama is written to be performed by actors.

The script is made up of dialogue and monologue-the words the actors say- and the stage directions, which comment on how and when the actions occurs.

Poetry

Literature that appears in verse form

It often has a regular rhythm and, sometimes, a rhyme scheme.

Some poems tell a story, while others present a single image, or express a single emotion or thought.

Most poems use musically and emotionally charged language to express an idea.

Folk Literature

Folk Literature is the unwritten lore of specific people or culture, passed down through the generations by word of mouth until, at some point, it is put into writing.

Folk Literature includes myths, folk tales, fairy tales, legends, and fables.

Such stories express the hopes, fears, loves, dreams, and values of the people who tell them and pass them on.

Why Should I Read Literature?Have A Purpose!

Read for the Love of Literature

Read to Be Entertained

Read for Information

Reading is to the mind what exercise is to the body.~ Joseph Addison  ~

Reading is a basic tool in the living of a good life.~ Mortimer J. Adler ~

Folk Literature

Myth

A myth is a fictional tale that explains the actions of gods or causes of natural phenomena.

It involves supernatural elements and has little historical truth about it.

Among the most familiar myths today are those of ancient Greeks and Romans

Myths have several purposes. They serve as cultural history, explaining natural phenomena such as oceans and mountains

They also reinforce a culture’s values.

They are also a source of entertainment

Folk Tale

A folk tale is a story composed orally and then passed from person to person by word of mouth.

As part of an oral tradition, folk tales originated among people who could neither read or write.

They entertained each other by reading stories aloud, often about heroes, adventure, magic, or romance.

Like mythology, folk tales also help reinforce a cultures values and explain the natural world.

Tall Tale

A tall tale is a kind of humorous story in which character s possess superhuman abilities and impossible happenings occur.

Tall tales are told in common , everyday speech and employ some realistic detail in addition to exaggeration.

Epic

An epic is a long narrative poem about the deeds of gods or heroes in war or travel.

An epic is written in ornate, poetic language.

It incorporates myths, legend, and history and often includes the intervention of the gods in human affairs.

DO NOW:

What is GENRE? Tell me everything that you know about it.