Literary GenresShort story, poetry, drama, novels

Short Story

What makes a short story a short story?

A short story is a work of fiction, usually written in prose. Often depicting few characters and concentrating a “single effect or mood.”

Short StoryWrite this down

1. Written in narrative prose2. Few characters3. Concentrates on one mood or

message4. Has a plot

PoetryO A composition in verse, especially

one that is characterized by a highly developed artistic form and by the use of heightened language and rhythm to express an intensely imaginative interpretation of the subject.

PoetryWrite this down

1. Uses verse instead of prose2. Artistic, heightened language3. Usually includes some kind of

rhythm or meter4. Uses techniques such as IMAGERY,

metaphor, alliteration, simile, personification

Drama

Drama is the specific mode of fiction represented by dialogue and is meant to be performed.

DramaWrite this down

1. Is written to be performed2. Uses stage directions and dialogue3. Can include music or dance as part

of the representation

Types of Drama (examples)

O Plays - Harvey by Mary Chase, Romeo and Juliet by Shakespeare

O Teleplays - “Sorry, Right Number” by Stephen King

O Musicals – West Side Story, Singing in the Rain, Wicked

O Opera - The Marriage of Figaro

Novel

A novel is a long prose narrative that usually describes fictional characters and events in the form of a sequential story.

NovelWrite this down

1. Fiction (novel - new, original)2. Longer in length3. Has a complex sequence of events

- plot4. Strong character portrayals