Genre-2

Introduction

Genre, as a literary device, refers to the specific category or type of literary work characterized by its distinct style, content, and form. It serves as a framework for writers to create and readers to understand different types of literature, providing a set of conventions and expectations.

By exploiting and manipulating genres, authors effectively convey their ideas, emotions, and themes while readers engage with familiar structures and interpret the text within a broader literary context.

Literary Examples of Genre

Genre	Example	Explanation
Science Fiction	Dune by Frank Herbert	This novel takes place in a distant future where noble houses battle for control of the planet Arrakis, the only source of the spice melange. It explores themes of politics, religion, ecology, and human evolution.
Romance	Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen	This novel tells the story of Elizabeth Bennet and Mr. Darcy, who initially dislike each other but eventually fall in love. It is a classic example of the romance genre, delving into societal expectations, class, and love.
Mystery	The Maltese Falcon by Dashiell Hammett	The novel revolves around private detective Sam Spade, hired to recover a valuable statue, the Maltese Falcon. It is a classic example of the hardboiled detective genre, featuring a tough detective, a femme fatale, and a twisty plot.
Historical Fiction	The Underground Railroad by Colson Whitehead	This novel portrays the story of Cora, a young slave who escapes a Georgia plantation via the Underground Railroad. It powerfully exemplifies historical fiction, delving into the cruelty of slavery and the resilience of its fighters.

How to Create Genre in a Fictional Work

Creating a genre is a challenging but rewarding process. Here are some steps that you can follow to create a genre:

1. Identify Common Theme or Characteristic: A genre is defined by a common theme or characteristic found in all its works. Select an intriguing theme or characteristic that could serve as the foundation for a new genre.
2. Research Existing Genres: Prior to inventing a new genre, explore established genres, their conventions, and notable literary works associated with them to understand their true nature.
3. Brainstorm Creative Ideas: Develop the chosen theme into a genre by brainstorming elements such as characters, settings, conflicts, and other components that align with the theme.
4. Experiment with Formats: Explore diverse formats, ranging from novels to films to video games, to determine the most suitable platform for inventing and exploring your genre.
5. Test Your Genre: Create a work that embodies the essence of your genre, such as a short story or film, and seek feedback from friends or beta readers to gauge their response.
6. Refine Your Genre: Utilize received feedback to refine and enhance the impact of genre, potentially adjusting themes, elements, or formats for greater effectiveness and engagement.
7. Promote Your Genre: Once your genre is polished, actively promote it through social media, word of mouth, and other channels. Create a community around your genre by connecting with like-minded individuals and sharing your work with a broader audience.

Benefits of Writing in Genre

Creating a new genre can have several benefits, both for the writer and the readers. Here are some of the benefits of creating a specific genre:

1. Unique Storytelling: Inventing a new type offers the opportunity to present a distinctive narrative style, setting your work apart and captivating readers seeking originality.
2. Target Specific Audience: By defining a particular genre, you can attract readers with a shared interest in its theme or style, gathering a devoted fan base and establishing expertise within that genre.
3. Creative Challenge: Creating a novel genre entails abundant creativity and experimentation, presenting an enjoyable and rewarding challenge that encourages innovative thinking and exploration of novel ideas.
4. Showcase Writing Skills: A new form of it allows writers to exhibit their prowess, showcasing their ability to conceive truly exceptional and captivating literary works.
5. Inspiration for Others: Pioneering a new genre can inspire fellow writers to explore similar themes or styles, broadening literary boundaries and contributing to a more diverse and dynamic literary landscape.
6. Potential Lucrativeness: A successful new genre, attracting a substantial audience, holds the potential for significant financial reward, affording financial stability and sustaining the pursuit of writing passion.

Genre and Literary Theory

Here are some literary theories and how they relate to different genres:

Literary Theory	Perspective and Critique	Example in Gothic Literature
Formalism	This theory emphasizes the inherent structure and genre of the text. Then it critiques how Gothic literature employs suspense and atmosphere.	In Edgar Allan Poe’s “The Fall of the House of Usher,” the meticulous description of the mansion’s decay contributes to the eerie mood.
Psychoanalytic	This theory analyzes characters’ subconscious desires and fears. Then it critiques how Gothic characters’ psychology drives the narrative of the genre.	In Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein, Victor’s creation of the monster reflects his own psychological turmoil and desire for power.
Feminist Criticism	This theory focuses on gender roles and stereotypes. Then it critiques how Gothic literature portrays female characters and social expectations.	In Charlotte Perkins Gilman’s “The Yellow Wallpaper,” the protagonist’s descent into madness is shaped by patriarchal norms.
Marxist Criticism	This theory examines social class and power dynamics. Then it critiques how Gothic settings highlight economic disparities and exploitation shown through this genre.	In Bram Stoker’s Dracula, the Count’s control over the aristocratic Lucy symbolizes the fear of upper-class decadence.
Postcolonial Theory	This theory explores the impact of colonialism and cultural hegemony. Then it critiques how Gothic narratives reflect colonial fears and anxieties.	In Jean Rhys’s Wide Sargasso Sea, the portrayal of the Creole Antoinette’s isolation reflects the aftermath of colonialism.
Reader-Response	This theory focuses on how readers interpret and engage with the text. Then it critiques how Gothic elements evoke varied emotional responses.	In Shirley Jackson’s The Haunting of Hill House, the ambiguous supernatural occurrences allow for diverse reader interpretations.
Deconstruction	This theory challenges binary oppositions and hierarchies. Then it critiques how Gothic literature blurs boundaries between reality and illusion.	In Edgar Allan Poe’s “The Tell-Tale Heart,” the narrator’s unstable perception of reality destabilizes the narrative.

Suggested Readings

1. Attridge, Derek. The Singularity of Literature. Routledge, 2004.
2. Bakhtin, Mikhail. The Dialogic Imagination: Four Essays. Edited by Michael Holquist, translated by Caryl Emerson and Michael Holquist, University of Texas Press, 1981.
3. Fowler, Alastair. Kinds of Literature: An Introduction to the Theory of Genres and Modes. Harvard University Press, 1982.
4. Hutcheon, Linda. A Theory of Parody: The Teachings of Twentieth-Century Art Forms. Methuen, 1985.
5. Jameson, Fredric. The Political Unconscious: Narrative as a Socially Symbolic Act. Cornell University Press, 1981.
6. Kristeva, Julia. Desire in Language: A Semiotic Approach to Literature and Art. Edited by Leon S. Roudiez, Columbia University Press, 1980.
7. Lanham, Richard A. A Handlist of Rhetorical Terms. University of California Press, 1991.
8. Todorov, Tzvetan. The Fantastic: A Structural Approach to a Literary Genre. Translated by Richard Howard, Cornell University Press, 1975.
9. Williams, Raymond. Keywords: A Vocabulary of Culture and Society. Revised edition, Oxford University Press, 1985.