Etymology
The word “genre” has its roots in the French language. It originally referred to a type of literary or artistic work. Its French root is genre, meaning “kind” or “sort,” which in turn comes from the Latin word genus, meaning “birth” or “race.”
Meanings
- Literary and Artistic Categories: It categorizes different types of works in literature and the arts based on their distinct characteristics.
- Defining Characteristics: They are defined by style, form, theme, and intended audience, enabling clear differentiation of creative works.
- Hybrid and Sub-Genres: Genres overlap, creating unique subcategories that combine elements from different primary genres.
- Artistic Style and Approach: It also refers to a specific artistic style or approach, such as the “film noir” genre in cinema or the “romantic” genre in literature.
- Versatile Categorization Tool: It is a valuable tool for understanding and appreciating diverse works of art across various media and contexts.
Genre in Grammar:
Grammatically, it is a singular noun, but it can take a plural verb when referring to multiple genres. For example:
- “This novel belongs to the science fiction genre.” (singular)
- “These films span a variety of genres, from drama to comedy to action.” (plural)
In the second sentence, it is the subject of the sentence and is plural, so it takes the plural verb “span.” However, when referring to a single type the singular verb form is used.
Definition of Genre
It refers to a category or type of literary device or technique or term, characterized by a set of conventions, themes, or styles. It also refers to a particular approach or style within a medium such as a film genre or musical genre.
Types of Genres
It refer to different categories or styles of literature, music, film, or art that share common themes, characteristics, or structures. The following are some of the most common types:
| Genre Type | Definition | Example |
| Fiction | It is a genre of literature involving imaginary or invented stories, characters, and settings. | Examples: romance, science fiction, mystery, horror, historical fiction. |
| Nonfiction | It is another genre of literature dealing with factual and real-life events, people, and places. | Examples: biography, history, memoir, self-help. |
| Drama | It is also a genre of literature involving the performance of plays, presenting conflicts or problems for resolution. | Examples: tragedy, comedy, musical. |
| Poetry | This genre uses language to evoke emotions, feelings, and sensory experiences through rhythm and imagery. | Examples: sonnets, haiku, free verse, epic poems. |
| Science fiction | It is a sub-genre of fiction exploring imaginative and futuristic concepts, often involving scientific innovations. | Examples: Dune by Frank Herbert1984 by George Orwell |
| Romance | It is also a sub-genre of fiction focuses on love stories and relationships between people. | Examples: Pride and Prejudice by Jane AustenThe Notebook by Nicholas Sparks. |
| Mystery | This sub-genre of fiction involves the solving of crimes, often using clues and detective work. | Examples: The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo by Stieg LarssonSherlock Holmes by Arthur Conan Doyle. |
| Horror | This sub-genre of fiction aims to scare or shock the reader or viewer, often incorporating supernatural elements. | Examples: Dracula by Bram StokerThe Shining by Stephen King. |
| Thriller | This sub-genre of fiction is characterized by suspense, tension, and danger, often featuring high-stakes conflicts. | Example: Gone Girl by Gillian FlynnThe Da Vinci Code by Dan Brown. |
| Historical fiction | This sub-genre of fiction shows a specific historical periods, often blending real events and people into the story. | Examples: To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper LeeAll the Light We Cannot See by Anthony Doerr. |
Suggested Readings
- Attridge, Derek. The Singularity of Literature. Routledge, 2004.
- Bakhtin, Mikhail. The Dialogic Imagination: Four Essays. Edited by Michael Holquist, translated by Caryl Emerson and Michael Holquist, University of Texas Press, 1981.
- Fowler, Alastair. Kinds of Literature: An Introduction to the Theory of Genres and Modes. Harvard University Press, 1982.
- Hutcheon, Linda. A Theory of Parody: The Teachings of Twentieth-Century Art Forms. Methuen, 1985.
- Jameson, Fredric. The Political Unconscious: Narrative as a Socially Symbolic Act. Cornell University Press, 1981.
- Kristeva, Julia. Desire in Language: A Semiotic Approach to Literature and Art. Edited by Leon S. Roudiez, Columbia University Press, 1980.
- Lanham, Richard A. A Handlist of Rhetorical Terms. University of California Press, 1991.
- Todorov, Tzvetan. The Fantastic: A Structural Approach to a Literary Genre. Translated by Richard Howard, Cornell University Press, 1975.
- Williams, Raymond. Keywords: A Vocabulary of Culture and Society. Revised edition, Oxford University Press, 1985.
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