Fiction Themes

The type of literature that I enjoy is the fantasy genre. I love that I can follow characters through a world that almost seems real through the pages of the book. A different but similar genre that I also enjoy is science fiction.

It surprised me at first that Contemporary Realistic Fiction is the most popular genre in children’s books. But after reading this it made more sense why contemporary realistic fiction is the most popular genre. It approaches the reality of children’s own lives. They can also connect to it so much easier than other genres.

Genres are classifications of literature, easily distinguished by content. Young adult literature is very popular and commonly read by teens. The novel Live To Tell by Lisa Harrington is classified as young adult fiction because it contains intense subject matter, and language and contemporary issues teens can relate to.

Literature teaches kids to feel empathetic for each other. A story allows the reader to put themselves in the character’s shoes and gives us a different perspective on the character’s life. It also shows the reader not to judge someone by their cover because you never know what outside factors are affecting them. For example, Daphne's book is about a shy girl named Daphne, commonly known to others as Daffy Duck. She was raised by an impoverished, mentally ill grandmother, so the other kids would make fun of her. Instead of sympathizing with her, kids pitied her and called her names. “These are the experiences for a young person in which the sort of commonplace

Science fiction is a genre that has characteristics such as a futuristic setting and a human element. It is based on controversial areas of science or specific theories that have not yet been proven to be true. Science fiction works depict what may happen in the future as an effect of what technology and events exist presently. The genre of the short story There Will Come Soft Rains by Ray Bradbury is identifiable as science fiction through the setting, character and plot.

Have you ever wondered why you were forced to take an English course in college, where you had to learn about genre and different forms of writing? Ever also wondered, when am I going to ever use this in everyday life? Well, I am here to tell you there is an explanation to both of those questions and it should make one think about what they are learning on a whole different level. Starting with genre, you should know that pretty much everything has a genre within.

Children’s literature can take many forms, from far-fetching science fiction to spell binding who-done-it mysteries. One of the most popular ideas presented in these various forms is that of escapism. The characters in these stories explore quite complex social issues in ways that are less confrontational then realism. One might consider why escape is such a central theme; as a child there are numerous benefits to fantasy, it allows readers to experiment with different views of the world and takes hypothetical situations and invites them to make connections between this fictive scenario and their own reality. John Stephens an English professor at Macquarie University has said “ Fantasy writing operates through metaphor- so that the unfamiliar is used to stand in for, or comment upon, the familiar.”

So what are genres? When most people are asked this question they will reply with something like science fiction, horror, mystery, or romance. While these are not fundamentally wrong answers, those with such responses do not understand the full breadth of what genres truly are. According to the dictionary, a genre is “a class or category of artistic endeavor having a particular form, content, technique, or the like” (Genre). Still though this does not capture the full breadth of what a genre really is. To explain how genres form, dynamically change, and serve their purposes we must first take a step back and look at some other fundamental concepts.

Genre: The book is fiction. Anyone can enjoy a good fiction book. I do typically read fiction books. Fiction is my favorite genre.

Fantasy and science fiction are two wonderful genres of literature that can be enjoyed by all ages. They allow us to escape into other worlds filled with magic, mythical creatures, and futuristic societies. While all ages enjoy these stories, they are particularly important for children as they can help them to grow and understand the real world around them. Although these books have fictional settings and characters, they contain experiences, emotions, and messages that children experience in the real world. Two of the works of fantasy/science fiction that I read this week are Clever Jack Takes the Cake by Candace Fleming and Leo a Ghost Story by Mac Barnett. Both of these stories create worlds of fantasy that children can relate to and learn from.

Throughout history, writing has been an important way to inform, entertain, and influence people. All writers created their works around a central idea or theme. In American literature, a large amount of books follow common themes and are considered some of the greatest American writings. Of all the themes that people use, choices and possibilities are the most common and important themes throughout American literature.

Although many view children's fiction as suitable only to children, and an embarrassingly immature pursuit for a serious person, children' stories mold the way we think. They allows us to look at very complex and difficult issues in a safe and playful way, and they give us the freedom to imagine the unimaginable.

Historical fiction is set in the past and tells a story using details from the time and place to which it is referring. This can and often includes historical figures giving the reader a sense of the time and place. Children who read historical fiction gain understanding of their own heritage, people, beliefs values hardships and physical surroundings. They can make the connections between the influences of the past and what influences them now. As they discover universal truths identify feelings and behaviors, it will encourage them to make a better choice for themselves. Understanding different viewpoints will develop sensitivities and empathy helping them to realize that history shows us that we must work together.

Characteristics of the genre adventure, consist of a heroic protagonist, a journey or quest, unusual locations, and action and danger. Characteristics of the genre realistic fiction consist of events that could happen in real life, and the themes represent human experiences.

The word “genre” is defined as a category of artistic composition, whether that art be painting, music, or literature. Genres are always defined by an origin point, the first and most essential example of its kind. In the case of literature, these are known as classical books. Novels and stories that are responsible for developing or popularizing a certain style, or theme. An easy example of a classical book responsible for creating genres could be The Hobbit. A fantasy novel written by J.R.R. Tolkien to entertain his children and keep track of the bedtime stories he continuously told them. Tolkien’s wonderous stories bore a new era of creation, seeing the continuation of the story in Lord of the Rings, and becoming the basis for modern fantasy