Genres Of Literature

The word ‘genre’ is a technical notation for the different branches or arms of literature. And these branches of literature include: Drama, Prose, and Poetry. It is important to note that in the oral literature before the advent or introduction of the writing skill, these genres of literature have unconsciously existed. That is, works of oral literature can be classified as drama, prose or poetry. Invariably, works of oral literature serve as source or raw materials for written literature. And this can be represented in a diagram.

GENERAL EVALUATION/REVISION QUESTIONS

1    Represent the genres of literature on a diagram.

2    Why is the term ‘genre’ used for written literature?

WEEKEND ASSIGNMENT

• A term used in describing an effective choice of words in a literary work is (a) diphthong (b) diction (c) denotation (d) dialogue
  • The moment of heightened tension in a play is called (a) denouement (b) denotation

(c) conflict (d) climax

• ‘I listened as the car screeched and squelched its tyres on the road; and mangy dogs roared and howled before I took another step.’ The above sentence is an example of the use of

(a) Onomatopoeia (b) Oxymoron (c) Enjambment (d) Metonymy

• A figure of speech in which a part stands for a whole or a whole for a part is referred to as (a) Personification (b) Partition (c) Synecdoche (d) Metonymy
  • Another term for the denouement of a play or story is (a) Reference (b) Interlude

(c) Inference (d) Resolution

THEORY

1. In your own words, define the three genres of literature.
   1. ‘Genre’ has existed in the oral literature. Discuss.

READING ASSIGNMENT

1    Exam Focus by J.O.J. Nwachukwu Agbada et al, pgs 1-10.

2    Essential Literature-in-English for S.S.S. by Ibitola A.O., pgs 4-25.