What are low genres in literature. Genre of literary work

Genre is kind of meaningful form that determines integrity literary work, which is determined by the unity of theme, composition and style; a historically developed group of literary works, united by a set of signs of content and form.

Genre in literature

V artistic structure genre category is modification literary type; species, in turn, is a species literary kind. There is another approach to generic relationship: - genre - genre variety, modification or form; in some cases it is proposed to distinguish only the genus and genre.
The genres belonging to traditional literary genres (epic, lyric, drama, lyric-epic) determines their content and thematic focus.

Genre in ancient literature

V antique literature the genre was the ideal artistic norm. Ancient ideas about the genre norm were mainly addressed to poetic forms, prose was not taken into account, since it was considered a trivial reading matter. Poets often followed artistic designs their predecessors, trying to surpass the pioneers of the genre. Ancient Roman literature relied on the poetic experience of ancient Greek authors. Virgil (1st century BC) continued the epic tradition of Homer (8th century BC), since the Aeneid is oriented towards the Odyssey and the Iliad. Horace (1st century BC) owns odes written in the manner ancient greek poets Arion (VII-VI centuries BC) and Pindar (VI-V centuries BC). Seneca (1st century BC) developed dramatic art, reviving the work of Aeschylus (VI-V centuries BC) and Euripides (V century BC).

The origins of the systematization of genres go back to the treatises of Aristotle "Poetics" and Horace "Science of Poetry", in which the genre denoted a set of artistic norms, their natural and fixed system, and the author's goal was supposed to be in accordance with the properties of the chosen genre. Understanding the genre as a constructed model of a work led to the emergence in the future of a number of normative poetics, including the dogmas and laws of poetry.

Renewal of the European genre system in the 11th-17th centuries

The European genre system began its renewal in the Middle Ages. In the XI century. new lyric genres poets-troubadours (serenades, Albs), later the genre of a medieval novel ( chivalric romances about King Arthur, Lancelot, Tristan and Isolde). In the XIV century. Italian poets had a significant impact on the development of new genres: Dante Alighieri wrote the poem “ The Divine Comedy"(1307-1321), combining narration and the genre of vision, Francesco Petrarca approved the genre of the sonnet (" Book of Songs ", 1327-1374), Giovanni Boccaccio canonized the genre of the short story (The Decameron, 1350-1353). At the turn of the XVI-XVII centuries. genre varieties of drama were expanded by the English poet and playwright W. Shakespeare, famous plays which - "Hamlet" (1600-1601), "King Lear" (1608), "Macbeth" (1603-1606) - contain signs of tragedy and comedy and belong to tragicomedies.

Code and hierarchy of genres in classicism

The most complete, systematic and significant set of genre norms was formed in the 17th century. with the advent of the treatise poem French poet Nicolas Boileau-Despreaux, Poetic Art (1674). The work defines the genre system of classicism, regulated by reason, a generally understandable style with the division of literary genres into epic, dramatic, lyrical childbirth... The structure of the canonical genres of classicism goes back to ancient forms and images.

The literature of classicism was characterized by a strict hierarchy of genres, dividing them into high (ode, epic, tragedy) and low (fable, satire, comedy). Mixing genre features was not allowed.

Genres of literary aesthetics of romanticism

Literature of the era of Romanticism in the 18th century did not obey the canons of classicism, as a result of which the traditional genre system lost its advantage. In the context of a change in literary trends, deviations from the rules of normative poetics, a rethinking of classical genres takes place, as a result of which some of them ceased to exist, while others, on the contrary, became entrenched.

At the turn of the XVIII-XIX centuries. in the center of the literary aesthetics of romanticism were lyrical genres - an ode ("Ode to the capture of Khotin" by M. Lomonosov ", 1742;" Felitsa "by G.R.Derzhavin, 1782," Ode to Joy "by F. Schiller, 1785 .), romantic poem("Gypsies" by A. Pushkin, 1824), ballad ("Lyudmila" (1808), "Svetlana" (1813) by V. A. Zhukovsky), elegy ("Rural cemetery" by V. A . Zhukovsky, 1808); comedy prevailed in the drama ("Woe from Wit" by A. S. Griboyedov, 1825).

Have reached their heyday prose genres: epic novel, story, story. The most common type of epic Literature XIX v. was considered a novel that was called "the eternal genre." The novels of Russian writers Leo Tolstoy (War and Peace, 1865-1869; Anna Karenina, 1875-1877; Resurrection, 1899) and F. M Dostoevsky (Crime and Punishment, 1866; The Idiot, 1868; The Demons, 1871-1872; The Brothers Karamazov, 1879-1880).

Formation of genres in the literature of the twentieth century

Formation mass literature in the twentieth century, its need for stable thematic, compositional and stylistic prescriptions led to the formation of a new system of genres, based primarily on the "absolute center of the genre system of literature" in the opinion of the Russian scientist MM Bakhtin - the novel.
Within the framework of popular literature new genres have developed: love story, sentimental novel, crime novel (action, thriller), dystopian novel, anti-novel, science fiction, fantasy, etc.

Modern literary genres are not part of a predetermined structure; they arise as a result of the embodiment of the author's ideas in literary works.

The origins of the emergence of genre varieties

The emergence of genre varieties can be associated with both literary direction, current, school - a romantic poem, classicistic ode, symbolist drama, etc., and with the names of individual authors who introduced genre-stylistic forms of the artistic whole into literary circulation (pindaric ode, Byron's poem, Balzac's novel, etc.) .), forming traditions, and this means the possibility different types their assimilation (imitation, stylization, etc.).

The word genre comes from French genre, which means genus, species.

A genre in literature is a selection of texts that have a similar structure and are similar in content. There are quite a few of them, but there is a division by genus, form and content.

Classification of genres in literature.

Gender division

With such a classification, one should consider the attitude of the author himself to the text of interest to the reader. He was the first to try to divide literary works into four genres, each with its own internal divisions:

• epic (novels, stories, epics, short stories, short stories, fairy tales, epics),
• lyric (odes, elegies, messages, epigrams),
• dramatic (dramas, comedies, tragedies),
• lyric-epic (ballads, poems).

Division by content

According to this principle of division, three groups emerged:

• Comedy,
• Tragedies,
• Dramas.

Two last groups talk about tragic fate, about the conflict in the work. And comedies should be divided into smaller subgroups: parody, farce, vaudeville, sitcom, interlude.

Separation by shape

The group is diverse and numerous. There are thirteen genres in this group:

• epic,
• epic,
• novel,
• story,
• short story,
• story,
• sketch,
• a play
• feature article,
• essay,
• opus,
• visions.

There is no such clear division in prose.

It is not easy to immediately determine which genre this or that work. How does the read work affect the reader? What feelings does it evoke? Is the author present, introduces his personal experiences, is there a simple narrative without adding an analysis of the described events. All these questions require specific answers to make the final verdict on the belonging of the text to a certain type of literary genre.

Genres tell about themselves

To start understanding genre diversity literature, you should know the characteristics of each of them.

1. The groups are perhaps the most interesting in form. A play is a piece written specifically for the stage. The story is a prosaic narrative, small in volume. The novel is distinguished by its scale. The story is an intermediate genre, standing between the story and the novel, in which the fate of one hero is told.
2. Content groups are few in number, so it is very easy to remember them. The comedy has a humorous and satirical character. Tragedy always ends up unpleasantly as expected. The drama is based on the conflict between human life and society.
3. The genre typology contains only three structures:
   1. The epic tells about the past, without expressing his personal opinion about what is happening.
   2. Lyrics always contain feelings and experiences lyric hero, that is, the author himself.
   3. The drama reveals its plot through the communication of the characters with each other.

Literature is the name for the works of human thought, enshrined in the written word and having social meaning. Any literary work, depending on HOW the writer depicts reality in it, is classified as one of three literary genera : epic, lyric or drama.

Epos (from the Greek. "narration") - the generalized name of works in which external events are depicted in relation to the author.

Lyrics (from Greek "performed to the lyre") - the generalized name of works - as a rule, poetic, in which there is no plot, but the thoughts, feelings, experiences of the author (lyric hero) are reflected.

Drama (from the Greek. "action") - the generalized title of works in which life is shown through conflicts and clashes of heroes. Dramatic works are intended not so much for reading as for dramatization. In drama, it is not the external action that is important, but the experience. conflict situation... In the drama, epic (narration) and lyrics are fused together.

Within each kind of literature, there are genres- historically formed types of works, characterized by certain structural and content features (see the table of genres).

Tragedy (from Greek "goat song") - dramatic work with an insurmountable conflict, which depicts a tense struggle strong characters and passions, ending with the death of the hero.

Comedy (from the Greek. "Merry song") - a dramatic work with a funny, funny plot, usually ridiculing social or everyday vices.

Drama Is a literary work in the form of a dialogue with a serious plot, depicting a person in his dramatic relationship with society.

Vaudeville - light comedy with singing couplets and dancing.

Farce – theatrical play A light, playful character with external comic effects, designed for a rough taste.

Oh yeah (from Greek "song") - choral, solemn song, a work that glorifies, praises any significant event or heroic person.

Hymn (from the Greek "praise") - a solemn song on poems of a program nature. The hymns were originally dedicated to the gods. Currently, the anthem is one of the national symbols the state.

Epigram (from the Greek "inscription") - a short satirical poem of a mocking character that arose in the 3rd century BC. e.

Elegy - a genre of lyrics dedicated to sad thoughts or a lyric poem imbued with sadness. Belinsky called "a song of sad content" an elegy. The word "elegy" is translated as "reed flute" or "mournful song". The elegy originated in Ancient Greece in the 7th century BC e.

Message - a poetic letter, an appeal to a specific person, a request, a wish.

Sonnet (from Provence. "song") - a poem of 14 lines, with a certain system of rhyming and strict stylistic laws. The sonnet originated in Italy in the 13th century (creator - the poet Jacopo da Lentini), appeared in England in the first half of the 16th century (G. Sarri), and in Russia - in the 18th century. The main types of the sonnet are Italian (from 2 quatrains and 2 terzets) and English (from 3 quatrains and the final couplet).

Poem (from the Greek "I do, I create") - a lyric-epic genre, a large poetic work with a narrative or lyrical plot, usually on a historical or legendary theme.

Ballad - lyric-epic genre, plot song of dramatic content.

Epic - large piece of art telling about significant historical events... In ancient times - a narrative poem of heroic content. In the literature of the 19th and 20th centuries, the genre of the epic novel appears - this is a work in which the formation of the characters of the main characters occurs during their participation in historical events.

novel - a large narrative work of fiction with a complex plot, in the center of which is the fate of the individual.

The story - a work of fiction that occupies a middle position between the novel and the story in terms of the volume and complexity of the plot. In ancient times, everyone was called a story narrative work.

Story - a work of fiction of a small size, based on an episode, an incident from the life of the hero.

Story - a work about fictional events and characters, usually with the participation of magical, fantastic forces.

Fable - This is a narrative work in poetic form, small in size, didactic or satirical in nature.

Then, in order to:

a) learn skills in your own genre;
b) know exactly which publisher to offer the manuscript to;
c) study your target audience and to offer the book not to “everyone at all,” but to those people who might be interested in it.

What is fiction?

Fiction refers to all works that have a fictional plot and fictional characters: novels, short stories, stories and plays.

Memoirs are non-fiction because it comes about non-fictional events, but they are written according to the canons fiction- with a plot, characters, etc.

But poetry, including lyrics, is fiction, even if the author recalls a past love that actually happened.

Types of adult fiction

Fiction is divided into genre literature, mainstream and intellectual prose.

Genre literature

In genre literature, the plot plays the first violin, while it fits into a certain, previously known framework.

This does not mean that all genre novels must be predictable. The skill of the writer lies precisely in creating a unique world, unforgettable characters and an interesting way to get from point "A" (connection) to point "B" (denouement) under the given conditions.

Usually, genre work ends on a positive note, the author does not delve into psychology and other lofty matters and tries to simply entertain the readers.

Basic plot schemes in genre literature

Detective: crime - investigation - exposure of the offender.

Love story: heroes meet - fall in love - fight for love - unite hearts.

Thriller: the hero lived his ordinary life- a threat arises - the hero tries to escape - the hero gets rid of the danger.

Adventures: the hero sets a goal for himself and, having overcome many obstacles, achieves what he wants.

When we talk about science fiction, fantasy, historical or modern novel, we are talking not so much about the plot as about the scenery, therefore, when defining the genre, two or three terms are used that allow us to answer the questions: "What happens in the novel?" and "Where is going on?" If we are talking about children's literature, then a corresponding note is made.

Examples: "modern romance novel", "fantasy thriller" (action is an adventure), "historical detective", "children's adventure story", "fairy tale for primary school age."

Genre prose, as a rule, is published in series - either author's or general.

Mainstream

In the mainstream (from the English. mainstream- main stream) readers expect unexpected solutions from the author. For this type of book, the most important thing is moral development heroes, philosophy and ideology. The requirements for a mainstream author are much higher than for writers working with genre prose: he must not only be an excellent storyteller, but also a good psychologist and a serious thinker.

Another important sign mainstream - such books are written at the intersection of genres. For example, it is impossible to say unambiguously that “ gone With the Wind" - it only love story or only historical drama.

By the way, the drama itself, that is, the story of the tragic experience of the heroes, is also a sign of the mainstream.

Typically, novels of this type are released outside the series. This is due to the fact that serious works are written for a long time and it is rather problematic to form a series out of them. Moreover, the authors of the mainstream are so different from each other that it is difficult to group their books on any basis other than "good book."

When specifying a genre in mainstream novels, the emphasis is usually not so much on the plot, but on some features books: historical drama, novel in letters, fantastic saga, etc.

The emergence of the term

The very term "mainstream" originated from American writer and the critic William Dean Howells (1837–1920). As editor of one of the most popular and influential literary magazines of its time, The atlantic monthly, he gave a clear preference for works written in a realistic manner and focusing on moral and philosophical issues.

Thanks Howells realistic literature came into fashion, and for some time it was she who was called the mainstream. The term stuck in English language, and from there moved to Russia.

Intellectual prose

In the overwhelming majority of cases, intellectual prose has a gloomy attitude and is released outside the series.

Main genres of fiction

Approximate classification

When submitting an application to a publisher, we must indicate the genre so that our manuscript can be sent to the appropriate editor.

Below is an approximate list of genres as they are understood in publishers and bookstores.

• Avant-garde literature. It is characterized by violation of the canons and by language and plot experiments. As a rule, the avant-garde comes out in very small editions. It is closely intertwined with intellectual prose.
• Action movie. Focused primarily on the male audience. The plot is based on fights, chases, saving beauties, etc.
• Detective. The main story line- crime disclosure.
• Historical novel... The time of action is the past. The plot, as a rule, is tied to significant historical events.
• Love story. Heroes find love.
• Mystic. The plot is based on supernatural events.
• Adventures. The heroes get involved in an adventure and / or embark on a risky journey.
• Thriller / horror. The heroes are in mortal danger, from which they are trying to get rid of.
• Fantasy. The plot is twisted in a hypothetical future or in parallel world... One of the varieties of fiction is alternative history.
• Fantasy / fairy tales. The main features of the genre are fairy worlds, magic, unseen creatures, talking animals, etc. Often based on folklore.

What is non-fiction?

Non-fiction books are classified by topic (eg gardening, history, etc.) and type (scientific monograph, collection of articles, photo album, etc.).

Below is the classification of nonfiction books, as is done in bookstores. When submitting an application to a publisher, indicate the topic and type of book - for example, a textbook on writing.

Classification of non-fiction literature

• autobiographies, biographies and memoirs;
• architecture and art;
• astrology and esoterics;
• business and finance;
• military establishment;
• upbringing and education;
• house, garden, vegetable garden;
• health;
• story;
• career;
• computers;
• local history;
• love and family relationships;
• fashion and beauty;
• music, cinema, radio;
• science and technology;
• food and cooking;
• gift editions;
• politics, economics, law;
• guidebooks and travel guides;
• religion;
• self-development and psychology;
• Agriculture;
• dictionaries and encyclopedias;
• sport;
• philosophy;
• hobby;
• school textbooks;
• linguistics and literature.

Links

• Sysoeva O. A. Genre approach to the study of literature in the framework of additional education (on the example of Sasha Sokolov's novel "School for Fools")
• Theoretical poetics: concepts and definitions. Reader for students of philological faculties. Compiled by N. D. Tamarchenko

Literature

Wikimedia Foundation. 2010.

See what "Literary genre" is in other dictionaries:

ROMAN (French Roman, German Roman; English novel / romance; Spanish novela, Italian romanzo), the central genre (see GENRE) European literature New time (see. NEW TIME (in history)), fictional, in contrast to the adjacent genre of the story (see ... ... encyclopedic Dictionary

Elegy (έλεγεία) is a lyric poem of a sad, pensive mood: this is the content that is now usually put into a word that had a different meaning in previous poetics. Its etymology is controversial: it is derived from the alleged chorus έ λέγε ... Encyclopedic Dictionary of F.A. Brockhaus and I.A. Efron

Currently, the most popular and richest form of literary works, reflecting in itself modern life with all the variety of issues of concern to her. To achieve such universal significance, the novel needed ... ... Encyclopedic Dictionary of F.A. Brockhaus and I.A. Efron

Crying is one of the ancient literary genres, characterized by lyrico-dramatic improvisation on themes of misfortune, death, etc. It can take shape both in poetry and in prose. The crying style is used, in particular, in some texts of the Bible ... Wikipedia

- (poetic) a certain type of literary work. The main genres can be considered epic, lyric and dramatic, but it is more accurate to apply this term to their individual varieties, such as an adventure novel, a buffoonery comedy ... Literary encyclopedia

genre- GENRE (poetic) a certain type of literary work. The main genres can be considered epic, lyrical and dramatic, but it is more accurate to apply this term to their individual varieties, such as an adventure novel, ... ... Dictionary literary terms

- (historical and special. is used in cinematography) a finished cinematic work. It should contain a complete, consistent and specific description of the plot, consisting of developed scenes and episodes, dialogues and reveal images ... ... Wikipedia

GENRE- literary (from French genre - genus, species), historically forming type of literary work (novel, poem, ballad, etc.); the theoretical concept of painting generalizes features characteristic of a more or less extensive group of works ... ... Literary encyclopedic dictionary

A; m. [French. genre] 1. Historically formed kind of art or literature, characterized by certain plot, compositional, stylistic and other signs; separate varieties of this genus. Musical, literary genres. ... ... encyclopedic Dictionary