Types of Literature in English with Examples

In a wide sense, a book is any written work. It explains, in a very limited way, that books have worth. Texts may be categorized based on whether they are fiction or nonfiction, as well as whether they are poetry or prose. It may also be classified based on significant parts such as a book, short tale, or play, and works are frequently classified based on historical periods or their adherence to specific qualities of beauty or expectations.

English is a blend of Germanic and Latin-based dialects that has developed an artistic code that spans hundreds of years. From the eighth-century epic poem “Beowulf” to Anne Tyler’s Pulitzer-winning novel “Breathing Lessons,” English literature has shaped Western civilization and influenced world writing; for example, artist and playwright William Shakespeare’s works have been translated into nearly every major living language.

English literature may be classified into four types.

1. Poetry

It combines verse poetry and rhythm with images to elicit emotional reactions.

This is sometimes regarded as the oldest form of literature. Before writing, oral stories were frequently combined into some type of poetry to make them simpler to recall and repeat. Poems are typically written down nowadays, but they are often performed. When most people think of poems, they think of rhymes and counting letters and lines, and certain poems follow strict rules.

Some styles of poetry, on the other hand, have such a loose shape that there are no rhymes or recurring patterns. There are other poems that cross lines the genre boundaries, such as prose poetry. However, a text is usually considered a poetry if it has a specific style or rhythm and focuses on how the letters of the words, phrases, and sentences sound together.

Poems are difficult to write in terms of imagery and metaphor, and they are frequently written in fragments and phrases rather than complete, grammatical sentences. And the poetry is usually always written in paragraphs and lines, giving the page a new aspect. Poetry is often one of three styles, as they have learned in class. There is brief, modern poetry ranging in length from a few lines to many pages. This is generally gathered in poetry collections by a single author or a group of authors.

Related Topics: Poetry Vocabulary Words List for Kids

2. Drama

Typically, stories told in poetry or prose are intended for theatrical performance, in which arguments and emotions are represented through dialogue and action.

A play is any literature that is meant to be performed rather than read (unless it is a poem intended for action, of course). Dramas are referred to as such by the general public. The majority of the play is written in conversation, with stage instructions like “looking away with hatred.” The theatre is the book described in this article that receives the least amount of attention in most schools.

When the play is taught, it is frequently read-only in the same manner that a novel is. Because plays are intended to be performed in front of an audience, it is difficult to completely appreciate when seeing the text-only version.

Students respond strongly to dramas, and they completely comprehend their equipment when it is presented in films or theatre, or when they are encouraged to read aloud or play out situations during class. Dramas authored by a writer or poet are the ones that are most commonly taught in schools.

Related Topics: Theater Vocabulary for Drama and Acting

3. Fiction

Extensive writing exercises using fictitious content that is not based on facts. Myth is a nonfiction literary work that may also employ vast figurative language. Myths, on the other hand, are more structured than poetry.

For every punctuation and grammar, it should be written in phrases and paragraphs, making it a project. Myths are frequently organized into chapters. Fiction works may be about nearly anything based on the author’s imagination. Myths might take place in the present, the future, or in the past. It might have highly intriguing thoughts or follow in daily life. Fairy tales, short stories, and novels are further examples of fictional works.

4. Non-fiction

It is a literature that contains facts and true stories.

If fiction is a falsehood, nonfiction is the polar opposite: it is based on true events. All fiction is based on real-life events. When you read a newspaper, you are reading non-fiction. Magazines, diaries, biographies, memoirs, and essays are some more examples.

Quick Links

  1. Literature Vocabulary Words for Beginners
  2. Fictional And Non Fictional Prose In Literature