4 Types of Literature

4 Types of Literature: Short

Story

Novel Play

(Drama) Poetry

1. Short Story… Official Definition:  A brief fictional narrative in prose 

Short Story… 

Additional information: 

Elements of a short story include plot, character, setting, point of view, theme, and sometimes symbol and irony.

Short Story… 

Examples:    

“Rikki Tikki Tavi” “After Twenty Years”

Short Story. 

Definition in everyday language:

2. Novel… Official Definition:  A book-length fictional prose narrative. 

Novel… 

Additional information: 

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

May develop more than one conflict, although it still focuses on one main conflict. Develops more characters and lets us get to know the main characters more fully than a short story. May have more than one setting.

Novel… 

Examples: Tears of a Tiger  Peak  Heat  Lawn Boy 

Novel… 

Definition in everyday language:

3. Play (Drama)… Official Definition:  A story intended to be performed by actors on a stage or before movie or TV cameras. 

Play (Drama)… 

Additional information: 2 Types: Tragedy and Comedy  Includes dialogue (lines) and stage directions. 

Play (Drama)… 

Examples: “The Monsters are Due on Maple Street”  “The Wonder Years”  “The Million Pound Bank Note” 

Play (Drama)… 

Definition in everyday language:

4. Poetry… 

Official Definition:

Language arranged in lines, with a regular rhythm and often with a definite rhyme scheme.

Poetry… 

Additional information: Divisions are called “stanzas”  Wide variety of forms  Usually uses emotional, imaginative language 

Poetry… 

Examples: “Foul Shot”  “The Highwayman”  “Annabel Lee”  “’Twas the Night Before Christmas” 

Poetry… 

Definition in everyday language: