Forms of prose fiction
Novels- a relatively long fictional prose narrative with a more or less complex plot or pattern of events,about actions,feelings,motivesetc of a group of characters.
Novella- a short prose narrative, usually with a moral.
Short Story- it concentrates on few characters, often one single character: lack of complocated plot and leisurely description.
Elements of Prose Fiction
Narrative techniques- strategies used by the writer in a literary peice to convey various emotions to the reader
Setting- the time and place in which a play/story takes place
Point of View-the place form which or the way in which something is viewed or considered.
Theme- the abstract subject of a work, its central idea or ideas which may or may not be explicit or obvious.
Plot- the arrangement of the incidents in a play, novel or narrative poem.
Style- the author's choice and arrangement of words and sentences in a literary work
Characterization- the way in which a writer creates characters in a narrative so as to attarct or rebel our sympathy
Literary Devices
Imagery- refers to the figurative language in a peice of literature or all the words which refer to objects and qualities which appeal to the senses and feelings.
Irony- a manner of speaking or writing that is dispersed throuth all kind sof literature.
Symbol- something which represents something else by analogy or association
Allusion- a passing reference in a work of literature to something outside itself
Satire- the use of ridicule, sarcasm, irony etc to expose attack or deride vices
Juxtaposition- is to put side by side or close together
Literary Contexts
Religious literary context- characterized by adherance to a religion
Ethnic literary context- designated or of a population, subgroup having a common cultural heritage as distinguished by customs, characteristics, language, common history etc.
Moral literary context - a practical lesson about life, right, wrong and conduct.
Intellectual literary context- the ability to reason or understand.
Cultural literary context - the training and refinement of the intellect, interest, taste, skills and arts.
Historical literary context- of or concerned with history as a science.
Political literary context- of or concerned with government, the state of politics.
Social literary context- of having to do with human beings living together as a group in a situation which their dealings with one another affect their common well fare.
Structural Devices
Stream of Consciousness- the attempt to convey all of the contents of a character's mind, memory, sense, perception, feelings, intuitions, thoughts in relation to the stream of experience as it passes by often at random.
Interior Monologue- an attempt to convey in words the process of consciousness or thought. (as a means of narrating a story)
Flashback- a sudden jump backwards in time to an earlier episode or scene in the story, novel, play or film.
Foreshadowing- the technique of suggestion or prefiguring- a development in a literary work before it occurs.
Time Frame- a given interval of time especially in relation to a particular event or process.
My Eight Types of Fiction
Commercial Fiction- draws a large and diverse audience and may also fall into any subgenre, like mystery, romance, legal thriller, western, science fiction among others.
Literary Fiction- this tends to appeal to a smaller, more intellectually adventurous audience. A work of literary fiction can fall into any of the subgenres descaribed in the following sections. What sets literary fictions apart, however, is the notably qualities it contains- excellent writing, originality of thought, and style- that raise it above the level of ordinary written works.
Mainstream Fiction- this is an overall term used by publishers and booksellers to describe both literary and commercial works that depict a reality relatable to most people. Mainsteram books deal with topics such as family issues, coming of age initiations, courtroom dramas, career matters, social pressures and more.
Mystery- subgenres include spy, detective and crime stories.
Romance- is a large category aimed at diverting and entertaining women. In romance novels, you have elements of fantasy, love, extravagance and adventure.
Science Fiction- depict distant worlds and futuristic technologies that whirl readers far away from here and now and yet provoke contemplation of contemporary issues. Science fiction is definately a thoughtful and imaginative category in literature.
Suspense/Thriller Fiction- these are tense, exciting and often sensual novels. In this genre the writer's objective is to deliver a story with sustained tension, surprise and a constant sense of impending doom that propels the reader forward. They are dominated by action in which physical threat is a constant companion.
Women's Fiction- novels which appeal largely to the female audience.
