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Lesson 2 Introduction and Basic Concepts (Part 3)

Conventional contemporary literature genres include action, crime, fantasy, gothic, historical, horror, literary, romance, science, and suspense thriller. The document discusses each of these genres and their key elements.

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27 views

Lesson 2 Introduction and Basic Concepts (Part 3)

Conventional contemporary literature genres include action, crime, fantasy, gothic, historical, horror, literary, romance, science, and suspense thriller. The document discusses each of these genres and their key elements.

Uploaded by

Micha Jugalbot
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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COMMON GENRE IN CONTEMPORARY LITERATURE

Although contemporary literature is a genre by itself, stories under this still


fall on one of the following conventional genres:
Action Fiction. Action fiction is the literary genre that includes spy novels,
adventure stories, tales of terror and intrigue ("cloak and dagger") and mysteries.
This kind of story utilizes suspense, the tension that is built up when the reader wishes
to know how the conflict between the protagonist and antagonist is going to be
resolved or what the solution to the puzzle of a thriller is.
Crime Fiction. Crime fiction, detective story, murder mystery, mystery novel,
and police novel – these terms all describe narratives that center on criminal acts and
especially on the investigation of a serious crime, generally a murder. Crime fiction
has multiple sub-genres, including detective fiction (such as the whodunit), court
room drama, hard-boiled fiction, and legal thrillers. Most crime drama focuses on
crime investigation and does not feature the court room. Suspense and mystery are
key elements that are nearly dominant to the genre.
Fantasy. Fantasy novels are speculative fiction stories with imaginary
characters set in imaginary universes. They’re inspired by mythology and folklore
and often include elements of magic. Fantasy is distinguished from the genres
of science fiction and horror by the absence of scientific or macabre themes
respectively, though these genres overlap. In popular culture, the fantasy genre
predominantly features settings of a medieval nature. These stories deal with
kingdoms as opposed to sci-fi, which deals with universes.
Gothic. Gothic fiction, which is largely known by the subgenre of gothic
horror, is a genre or mode of literature and film that combines fiction and horror,
death, and at times romance. Gothic fiction tends to place emphasis on
both emotion and a pleasurable kind of terror. The most common of these
"pleasures" among Gothic readers was the sublime—an indescribable feeling that
"takes us beyond ourselves." The name Gothic, which originally referred to the Goths,
and then came to mean "German", refers to the Gothic architecture of the medieval
era of European history, in which many of these stories take place.
Historical. Historical fiction novels take place in the past. Written with a
careful balance of research and creativity, they transport readers to another time
and place—which can be real, imagined, or a combination of both. Many historical
novels tell stories that involve actual historical figures or historical events within
historical settings. Historical Romance is a sub-genre that involves a conflicted love
relationship in a factual historical setting.
Horror. Horror is a genre of speculative fiction which is intended to frighten,
scare, or disgust. It creates an eerie and frightening atmosphere. Horror is frequently
supernatural, though it might also be non-supernatural. Often the central menace of
a work of horror fiction can be interpreted as a metaphor for the larger fears of a
society.

20 | P a g e C o n t e m p o r a r y , P o p u l a r a n d E m e r g e n t L i t e r a t u r e
Literary Fiction. Literary fiction novels are considered works with artistic
value and literary merit. They often include political criticism, social commentary,
and reflections on humanity. Literary fiction novels are typically character-driven,
as opposed to being plot-driven, and follow a character’s inner story.
Romance. Romantic fiction centers around love stories between two
people. They are characterized by sensual tension, desire, and idealism; they also are
lighthearted, optimistic, and have an emotionally satisfying ending. Romance
novels do contain conflict, but it doesn’t overshadow the romantic relationship,
which always prevails in the end. There are many sub-genres, including paranormal,
historical, contemporary, category, fantasy, and Gothic.
Science Fiction. This genre incorporates any story set in the future, the past,
or other dimensions. The story features scientific ideas and advanced technological
concepts. Sci-fi novels have imagined elements that don’t exist in the real world.
Some are inspired by “hard” natural sciences like physics, chemistry, and
astronomy; others are inspired by “soft” social sciences like psychology,
anthropology, and sociology. It has been called the “literature of ideas", and often
explores the potential consequences of scientific, social, and technological
innovations. Besides providing entertainment, it can also criticize present-day
society, and is often said to inspire a "sense of wonder".
Suspense Thriller. This genre involves pursuit and escape. It is filled
with cliffhangers and there are one or more ‘dark’ characters that the protagonist
must escape from, fight against, or best in the story. The threats to the protagonist
can be physical or psychological, or both. The setting is integral to the plot. They very
seldom include comedic elements, but what they lack in humor, they make up for
in suspense. Thrillers keep readers on their toes and use plot twists, red herrings,
and cliffhangers to keep them guessing until the end.

Conventional contemporary literature genres include action, crime, fantasy,


gothic, historical, horror, literary, romance, science, and suspense thriller.

21 | P a g e C o n t e m p o r a r y , P o p u l a r a n d E m e r g e n t L i t e r a t u r e

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