Grade

11

21st CENTURY LITERATURE

FROM THE PHILIPPINES
AND THE WORLD
.
QUARTER 4 – MODULE 2

21st CENTURY LITERARY GENRES AND THEIR ELEMENTS,

STRUCTURES, AND TRADITIONS

1
 21st CENTURY LITERARY GENRES
LESSON
AND THEIR ELEMENTS,
2 STRUCTURES, AND TRADITIONS

Learning Competency: Compare and contrast the various 21st-century literary genres and their
elements, structures, and traditions from across the globe, EN12Lit- IId-25 (2 hours).

What I Need to Know

This self-learning material guides you in developing a target competency in the subject.
In this lesson, the learners are expected to define the literary genre, identify various 21 st-century
literary genres common across the globe, and compare and contrast the 21st-century literature
genres and their elements, structures, and traditions from across the globe. It has different parts
(1) 21st-century literary genres, traditions, and forms from different cultures. (2) most notable
literary genres in the 21st century.

What I Know
INSTRUCTIONS: Read and answer the following statements. Write your answer in your
notebook.
1. What do you call a category of a literary composition that may be determined by literary
technique, tone, content, or even length?
a. Composition c. Literary genre
b. Literature d. Recipe
2. What type of literature conveys a thought, describes a scene, or tells a story in a
concentrated, lyrical arrangement of words?
a. Poetry c. Hyper poetry
b. Poems d. Spoken word poetry
3. What literary form is created from the imagination, not presented as fact, though it may be
based on a true story or situation?
a. Style c. Nonfiction
b. Fiction d. Creation
4. Which is defined as a brief fictional prose narrative that is shorter than a novel and that
usually deals with only a few characters?
a. novel b. short story c. poem d. letter
5. How is style related to genre?
a. Genres are characterized by different styles
b. Genres are not related to styles
c. A genre is a type of style
d. A style is a type of genre
2
 What’s In
Module 2 allows you to dive into various 21st literary genres such as Literary Elements,
Traditions and Forms from Different Cultures, and the most notable literary genres in the 21 st
century.

List down your top 3 favorite movies or books and decide on what genre they belong to.
You can write down your responses in your notebook.

1.
2.
3.

What’s New

21st Century Literature

21st Century Literature refers to new literary work created within the last decade. It is written by
contemporary authors who may deal with current themes/ issues and reflects a technological
culture. It often breaks traditional writing rules.

21st Century Reader

A 21st Century Reader grew up using technology as a primary learning tool. He is capable of
navigating and interpreting digital formats and media messages. He also possesses literacy
skills, which include technological abilities such as keyboarding, internet navigation,
interpretation of technological speak, ability to communicate and interpret coded language and
decipher graphics.

What Is It
To move on with this lesson, let us unlock important terms:

 21st-century literature - all literary works written and published in the latter part of the
21st century (from 2001 onwards). These works are often characterized as gender-
sensitive, technologically alluding, culturally pluralistic, operates on the extreme reality
of extreme fiction, and question conventions and supposedly absolute norms. - SHS
Curriculum Guide, 21st Century Literature of the Philippines and the World
literary genre - a category of literary composition. Genres may be determined by
literary technique, tone, content, or even (as in the case of fiction) length. The
3
 distinctions between genres and categories are flexible and loosely defined, often with
subgroups.

The most general genres in literature are (in loose chronological order) epic,
tragedy, comedy, and creative nonfiction. They can all be in the form of prose or poetry.
Additionally, a genre such as satire, allegory, or pastoral might appear in any of the
above, not only as a subgenre but as a mixture of genres.

Finally, they are defined by the general cultural movement of the historical
period in which they were composed. Genre should not be confused with age
categories, by which literature may be classified as either adult, young- adult, or
children. They also must not be confused with formats, such as a graphic novel or
picture book. -SHS Curriculum Guide, 21st Century Literature of the Philippines and
the World

Genre, in broad terms, refers to any works that share certain characteristics. If
enough characteristics are in common, then the pieces are said to be in the same
genre.

21st Century Literary Genres, Traditions and Forms from Different Cultures

 Contemporary literature

- reflects current trends in life and culture and because these things change
often, contemporary literature changes often as well.
- reflects the author's perspective and can be cynical.
- questions facts, historical perspectives and presents 2 contradictory
arguments side by side

Contemporary literature began in the 1940s or so. A few of its qualities:

- reality-based stories with strong characters and a believable story;

- well-defined, realistic, highly developed characters in realistic,
sometimes harsh environments;
- are character-driven stories;
- is ironic and reflects current political, social, and personal issues;
- may reflect a personal cynicism, disillusionment, and frustration;
- facts are questioned as historical perspectives;
- often presents two contradictory arguments;
- may reflect a growing skepticism in the existence of God as well as distrust or
lack of faith in traditional institutions

 The 2000s

- Saw a steep increase in the acceptability of literature of all types, inspired by the
coming of age of millions of people who enjoyed the work of writers of speculative
fiction
4
 - Speculative fiction - an umbrella term encompassing the more fantastical
fiction genres, specifically science fiction, fantasy, horror, weird fiction,
supernatural fiction, superhero fiction, utopian and dystopian fiction, apocalyptic
and post-apocalyptic fiction, and alternate history in literature as well as related
static, motion, and virtual arts. - SHS Curriculum Guide, 21st Century Literature
of the Philippines and the World

 Chinese literature
- Affected by the impact of the Internet, which has become an important
medium for the dissemination of politically sensitive works.
- The resurgence of science fantasy has not been seen since the late Qing dynasty
- No epics of either folk or literary variety and hardly any narrative or descriptive
poems that are long by the standards of the world literature

Sinophone literature- Redefines Chinese literature as a field determined by

language rather than purely by geography

Modern Chinese poetry- Depends on end rhyme and tonal meter for its
cadence and is characterized by its compactness and brevity

 Japanese literature
- Marked by a strong and intentional break with tradition and the nation-
centered and group orientation values.
- This break included:
A strong reaction against established religious, political, and social views.
- Feminism, individualism, internationalism, liberalism, and proletarian
emerged during this period
- Concerned with the subconscious.
- New literary forms and styles like:
A novel in 1st POV is written like an autobiographical confessional type of
narration

 Indian Literature
- Simultaneous co-existence of the postcolonial state apparatuses with an
ideology which was: Liberal and Humanist, seen in the areas of public life like
the academic scene

Realism- Outcome of the creation of a reading public that was trying to construct an
identity in the context of the anti-colonial struggles and nation-building.
- This combined liberal-reformist ideology with an affirmation of an 'Indian' cultural
specificity.
- This concept however was middle-class and Hindu

The realist novel- Its focus on growth and individual freedom is transformed in the
Indian context with the economic conditions of uneven capitalism

5
 The basis for Realism- The economic: seen the existence of capitalist exploitation
-Political; and
-Social conditions

 African literature

- Distinct influence from African current events and recent history.

- Themes:
-Post imperialism
-Cultural upheaval
-Violence

- These are topics present in previous centuries which are still very much
relevant in modern-day African nations.

African poetry- This is a form of protest. - Theorists describe it as having a post-colonial

viewpoint, referring to the period after European nations tried to govern African nations

Africa's modern history- It is Influenced by neocolonialism, cultural change, and

clashes between political parties and religious ideologies

Modern African writer- Look away from the internal, individual struggle and instead
shift the focus to the: Struggles of African nations still trying to develop after gaining
independence from European imperialism

-economic struggles of the people

-divisions of classes
-and various other conflicts that modern-day African nations face

 American literature

- Concerned with relationships and connections between people and

emotion-provoking storytelling is common.
The value of media in culture is changing the way this movement is
perceived
- Diversity and acceptance
- Address universal themes seen through the eyes of their culture
- the juxtaposition of the ordinary with magical elements
- Fantastic elements are interwoven into realistic fiction

 English Literature

- As the 21st century got underway, history remained the outstanding concern of
English literature. Although contemporary issues such as global warming and
international conflicts (especially the Second Persian Gulf War and its
aftermath) received attention, writers were still more disposed to look back.
6
 - Although they had entered into a new millennium, writers seemed to find greater
imaginative stimulus in the past than in the present and the future.

Most Notable Literary Genres in the 21st Century

a. Poetry - It is a type of literature that conveys a thought, describes a scene, or tells a

story in a concentrated, lyrical arrangement of words. Poems can be structured, with
rhyming lines and meter. The rhythm and emphasis of a line are based on syllabic
beats.

Poems can also be free from which follows no formal structure. It is further
subdivided into different genres, such as epic poem, narrative, romantic, dramatic, and
lyric. Dramatic poetry includes melodrama, tragedy, and comedy, while other poems
include ode, sonnet, elegy, ballad, song, and epic.

Poetry today is usually written down but is still sometimes performed. The
most popular types are:

i. Hyper poetry – It is a form of digital poetry that uses links through hypertext
mark-up. It is very visual in form and is related to hypertext fiction and visual
arts. The links mean that a hypertext poem has no set order, the poem moving
or being generated in response to the links that the reader/user chooses. It can
either involve set words, phrases, lines, etc. that are presented in variable order
but sit on the page much as traditional poetry does, or it can contain parts of the
poem that move and
/or mutate. It is usually found online, though CD-ROM and diskette versions
exist. The earliest examples date to no later than the mid-1980s.

ii. Spoken word poetry – It can be described as poetry that is written to be

performed. Spoken word utilizes concrete language, wordplay, and rhythm to
tell stories. Through the use of vivid imagery, the listener can “feel” the words
as they are being spoken. Many literary devices, like metaphor, can be used to
help the audience visualize the story. And although the stories may be
humorous, serious, sad, or painful, they remain true to the emotion of the
speaker. Some pieces may lack a definite beginning, middle, or end, but it may
be in that absence that the audience finds something to relate to.

The beautiful thing about the spoken word is that a person is allowed to
give his or her perspective on a certain topic without fear of debate. It is an open
display of the soul. With this medium, an individual can express feelings of
anger and grief about current events, and the audience is given a front-row seat
to the inner workings of the artist's mind. Spoken word pieces can involve any
life experience from losing the first tooth, to losing one's virginity, to losing one's
child. The range is endless.

b. Drama- It is the genre of literature with stories composed of verse or prose which is
meant to be dramatically or theatrically performed. Its emotions and conflicts are
7
 expressed through dialogue and movements or action.

c. Blog - A weblog: a website containing short articles called posts that are changed
regularly. Some blogs are written by one person containing their own opinions,
interests, and experiences, while others are written by many different people.

d. Creative nonfiction – it is also known as literary nonfiction or narrative nonfiction. It is

a genre of writing that uses literary styles and techniques to create factually accurate
narratives. Creative nonfiction contrasts with other nonfiction, such as technical writing
or journalism, which is also rooted in accurate fact but is not primarily written in service
to its craft. As a genre, creative nonfiction is still relatively young and is only beginning
to be scrutinized with the same critical analysis given to fiction and poetry.

e. Fiction- It is literature created from the imagination, not presented as fact, though it
may be based on a true story or situation.

i. Short story – It is a brief fictional prose narrative that is shorter than a novel
and that usually deals with only a few characters. The short story is usually
concerned with a single effect conveyed in only one or a few significant
episodes or scenes. The form encourages economy of setting, concise
narrative, and the omission of a complex plot; character is disclosed in action
and dramatic encounter but is seldom fully developed. Despite its relatively
limited scope, though, a short story is often judged by its ability to provide a
“complete” or satisfying treatment of its characters and subject.

ii. Chick-lit – It is a genre that addresses issues of modern womanhood, often

humorously and light-heartedly. The genre became popular in the late 1990s,
with chick-lit titles topping bestseller lists and the creation of imprints devoted
entirely to chick-lit. Although it sometimes includes romantic elements, chick-lit
is generally not considered a direct subcategory of the romance novel genre,
because the heroine's relationship with her family or friends is often just as
important as her romantic relationships.
iii. Illustrated novel – It is a story through text and illustrated novels.

iv. Digi-fiction – It is triple media literature. It combines three media: book,

movie/video, and internet website.

v. Graphic novels – These are narratives in comic book formats.

vi. Manga – This is a Japanese word for comics

Example: Naruto, Bleach, One Piece

vii. Doodle Fiction – It is a literary presentation where the author incorporates

doodle writing and drawings, and handwritten graphics in place of the traditional
font.
Example: Diary of a Wimpy Kid

viii. Text-Talk Novels- These are stories that are told almost completely in dialogue
8
 simulating social network exchanges.

ix. Flash fiction – This is a style of fictional literature of extreme brevity.

x. Six-word flash fiction – It is flash fiction done in six words only.

xi. Speculative fiction – It is an umbrella term encompassing the more fantastical

fiction genres, specifically science fiction, fantasy, horror, weird fiction,
supernatural fiction, superhero fiction, utopian and dystopian fiction,
apocalyptic and post-apocalyptic fiction, and alternate history in literature as
well as related static, motion, and virtual arts.

a. Science fiction – It is a genre dealing with imaginative concepts

such as futuristic science and technology, space travel, time travel,
faster than light travel, a parallel universe, and extraterrestrial life.
Ex. The Hunger Games

b. Fantasy – It is a genre that concentrates on imaginary elements

(the fantastic). This can mean magic, the supernatural, alternate
worlds, superheroes, monsters, fairies, magical creatures,
mythological heroes—essentially, anything that an author can
imagine outside of reality.

f. Horror – It is a genre whose purpose is to create feelings of fear, dread, repulsion, and
terror in the audience—in other words, it develops an atmosphere of horror.

9
 What’s More
Instructions: Choose among the various kinds of literature across the globe and accomplish
the Compare/Contrast Tower below by citing the similarities and differences in their literary
genres and their elements, structures, and traditions. Do this in your notebook.

Compare/ Contrast: Tower

Differences Similarities Differences

Item 1: Item 2

@2016 Literary Solutions Pty Ltd

10
 What I Have Learned
In your notebook, write down everything that you have learned from this module.

What I Can Do

You have learned the different conventional and modern literary genres. As a 21st century
learner, retell the old Filipino folktale The Sun and the Moon using one of the genres below and
post your work on your Facebook page with the hashtag #folktalesinthe21stcentury. Use the rubric
as your guide.
A. 30-word flash fiction
B. 4-panel comic
C. One-page doodle fiction

4 3 2 1
Structure
Presents all elements Exhibits at least three Exhibits at least two Does not present
and correct structure elements and correct elements and correct elements and correct
of the chosen genre structure of the structure of the structure of the
chosen genre chosen genre chosen genre
Creativity
The story is The story is The story is in The story is not
communicated in communicated in interesting ways, but communicated in
amazing and unusual interesting ways not related to the surprising and
ways topic interesting ways
Mechanics
No errors in One to two errors in Three to five errors in Six or more errors in
punctuation, punctuation, punctuation, punctuation,
capitalization, and capitalization, and capitalization, and capitalization, and
spelling spelling errors spelling errors spelling errors

11
 Assessment

Instructions: Read each statement carefully. Then, write the letter with the correct
answer in your notebook.
1. Which literary presentation is used by the author when he incorporates doodle writing and
drawings, and handwritten graphics in place of traditional font?
a. Flash fiction c. Digi-fiction
b. Doodle fiction d. Speculative Fiction

2. Which is an umbrella term encompassing the more fantastical fiction genres,

specifically, science fiction, fantasy, horror, weird fiction, supernatural fiction,
superhero fiction, etc.?
a. Flash fiction c. Digi-fiction
b. Doodle fiction d. Speculative Fiction

3. Which style of fictional literature shows extreme brevity?

a. Flash fiction c. Digi-fiction
b. Doodle fiction d. Speculative Fiction
4. Which of the following is known as triple media literature because it combines three
media: book, movie/video, and internet website?
a. Flash fiction c. Digi-fiction
b. Doodle fiction d. Speculative Fiction

5. What kind of novel focuses on growth and individual freedom is transformed in the
Indian context with the economic conditions of uneven capitalism?
a. realist novel c. graphic novel
b. illustrated novel d. text-talk novel
6. A relatively new and popular type of contemporary world literature is the
____________ which uses illustrations and dialogue to create the story.
a. Graphic novel
b. Comic book
c. Memoir
d. Descriptive piece

7. One of the biggest thematic trends of contemporary world literature is ________, which
seeks to represent minorities, oppressed peoples, and people from non-Western countries.
a. Post-colonialism
b. Fiction
c. Realism
d. None of these

8. A major type of literature that makes use of imagery, figurative language, and
sometimes rhyme. Rather than paragraphs, it is written in stanzas.
12
 a. Drama
b. Informational
c. Poetry
d. Fiction

9. Fiction is a piece of writing that contains facts, & talks about real people, places,
objects, etc.
a. True
b. False

10. Science Fiction is a story that combines elements of fantasy and scientific
Facts and is often set in the future.
a. True
b. False

Additional Activities
Suggested activities for you to explore:

1. Read the online article entitled “Literature in the 21st Century” by Ivo
Oliveira and Mithun Selvaratnam.
https://www.fairobserver.com/culture/literature-21st-century/

2. Write a short paragraph about your reaction to the article.

References

"21st Century Literary Genre." Share and Discover Knowledge on LinkedIn SlideShare,
25 May 2018, www.slideshare.net/lhengacusan/21st-century-
literary-genre. Accessed 12 May 2020.
"21st Century Literary Genres, Traditions and Forms from Different Cultures." Quizlet,
quizlet.com/199172691/21st-century-literary-genres-traditions-and-forms- from-
different-cultures-flash-cards/. Accessed 11 May 2020.
"The 21st Century." Encyclopedia Britannica, www.britannica.com/art/English-
literature/The-21st-century. Accessed 12 May 2020.
Behrooz, Anahit. "The Top 10 Contemporary African Writers You Should Know." Culture Trip,
18 May 2015, theculturetrip.com/Africa /articles/the-top-10- contemporary- African-
writers-you-should-know/.

Friesen C. 21st Century Literary Genres [PowerPoint slides]. Retrieved from

https://www.slideshare.net/darinjohn2/21st-century-literary-genres-bycalle-friesen

13
 Answer Key

Assessment
What I Know

1. B
1. C
2. D
2. A
3. A
3. B
4. C
4. C
5. A
5. A
6. A
7. A
8. C
9. B
10. A

Congratulations! You have made it through this lesson. You are now ready to go to the next
level.

14
15