The Fundamentals of Literary Art and Genre Classification

The Nature and Forms of Literary Art

Defining Literature and Literary Language

Literature is an art whose raw material is language, which the writer manipulates in order to produce an aesthetic and emotional effect on the recipient. The term refers to the peculiar relationship literary fiction keeps to reality. Literary language is used in a manner intentionally seeking to create aesthetic impressions and emotions in the reader. The functions of literature are to entertain, amuse, and convey ideas.

The first text on literature defined poetry as 'bullying' done by means of words. Literature imitates reality; it is inspired by the real world. But it is not an exact copy: the writer uses part of reality to recreate a world we call literary fiction. A work cannot be analyzed in terms of truth or falsity, but of probability.

Characteristics of Literary Language

Literary language is characterized by a series of features that set it apart from the language used in everyday communication situations. The author's purpose is to highlight the text, treating it as an aesthetic construction.

• Verse: Writing in verse implies that the text is composed of small units and is equipped with a special rhythm that is determined by the distribution of repetitive syllables, accents, and often the use of rhyme.
• Prose: Prose does not use a fixed rhyme scheme and is written occupying a whole line.
• Stylistic Resources: Another feature of literature is the frequent use of stylistic resources: expressive devices that depart from common language with an aesthetic intention.

Literary Genres and Classification

We define literary genres as categories established by tradition that allow us to classify literary works by their common features. Genres are historical categories that have evolved over time.

Traditionally, the major genres were:

• Epic
• Narrative
• Dramatic
• Lyric

In the eighteenth century, they were joined by the Didactic genre.

Forms of Narrative and Epic Literature

Narrative

Characterized by the fundamental presence of the narrator. The author can anticipate events (prolepsis) or recount past events (analepsis). The timing structure presupposes the distinction between two basic aspects of the story: the story (fabula) and the plot (syuzhet).

The Epic

A very large poem that recounts heroic deeds (e.g., The Iliad and The Odyssey).

Chanson de Geste

An epic poem composed in the Middle Ages, often recounting the exploits of a real or fictional hero (e.g., Cantar de Mio Cid).

Renaissance Epic Poem

Had its manifestation in works written by learned authors that emulated the epics of the classical era (e.g., Orlando Furioso).

Novel

A long story starring characters of a complex nature.

Short Story

A simple story where characters are characterized simply, and the events are presented in a linear fashion.

Lyric and Dramatic Forms

The Lyric

Characterized by the presence of a lyrical voice expressing intimate feelings. While most representative in verse, it can also be found in prose poems and poetic prose. Common forms include: the song, the ode, the elegy, the epistle, the romance, and the sonnet.

Drama

Composed of works written to be performed on a stage.