Literary genres are essential for both writers and readers when writing. For writers, the use of literary genres provides them with patterns that allow them to structure their writing. On the other hand, literary genres give readers the pleasure of discerning what is being written for them. The five literary...
Literary genres are essential for both writers and readers when writing. For writers, the use of literary genres provides them with patterns that allow them to structure their writing. On the other hand, literary genres give readers the pleasure of discerning what is being written for them. The five literary genres of poetry, flash fiction, memoir, life legacy, and comedy monologues each provide different norms and techniques for writers to use.
Poetry, for instance, is characterized by rhythmical patterns which include meter, rhyme, alliteration, or a combination of all together. Throughout an individual’s educational journey, there must be a time that they were exposed to writing poems. While some have found it a difficult task to execute, others might have encountered a new passion in life. Poems are usually composed through the feelings and imagination of the poet. I like poetry because I believe it allows individuals to express themselves, while also enabling them to share their view of the world with others. My past literature courses have exposed me to poetry. While in the course, I had the pleasure to write many pieces that allowed me to manifest the feelings and experiences I have had throughout my life. Poetry, unlike other genres, is the one who offers the author the freedom to create without following a set of rules. However, there are characteristics a poem should contain in order for it to be considered one. One of the tools I used the most when writing poems was rhyme. I still remember my first poem called “Her Colors.” It was about New York City and the different climate seasons. The main instrument I used was rhyme. After that, I have fallen in love with writing poems.
Moreover, flash fiction has to be my favorite literary genre. Flash fiction is a short-short story derived from a bigger story. These flash fictions often start in the middle of an action. They also have the characteristic to leave the reader wondering about the ending since they are often unexpected ones. However, I suspect that my preference for flash fiction is because this genre allows me to be creative. When writing flash fiction, I find it refreshing to be able to tell a short story that has only been written based on one’s mind. I, furthermore, find it rewarding to be able to transport myself and be part of the story I am telling.
Nevertheless, when writers use the literary genre of a memoir, they focus on telling an autobiographical sketch of their experiences on a specific circumstance or topic. Memoirs are usually written based on events the authors have witnessed rather than their personal lives or feelings. Personally, I believe memoirs are one of my least favorite genres. One of the reasons is that I would not be able to express myself or my feelings toward the topic in discussion. It is understandable that for others, this kind of genre might be their favorite because they are able to tell a story that perhaps no one else has spoken about. Hence, this genre could be controversial for some, and exciting for others.
Life legacy, moreover, is a way of writing for which individuals would want to be remembered for. To write about one’s life legacy could be one exciting task since they are able to tell about their personality, life experiences, and much more. However, this writing genre could be challenging. Hence this could be the reason why I do not enjoy it as much as poetry or flash fiction. However, if a person is going through a hard time in their life and understands that sharing their experiences could help others, then life legacy should be considered. Thus, the only circumstance I would write a life legacy is if I can write something meaningful to help others.
Lastly, according to John Rineman, Comedy Monologue is the motor that keeps comedy functioning. One must be talented and funny to perform and be successful at it. This genre has to be one of the most difficult ones to execute since the author has to possess the right qualities to exercise it. I believe I would like to perform in this genre. However, I do not have the skills to do so.
Literature genres were made to fit individuals’ talents and ways of expressing themselves. These five genres, poetry, flash fiction, memoir, life legacy, and comedy monologue are crucial for those who love literature and are trying to find their passion, and which one matches best their virtues. Hence, one must find which ones are their favorites or not.
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