How does literary fiction differ from genre fiction?

The world of fiction writing can be split into two categories: literary fiction vs. genre fiction. Literary fiction (lit fic) generally describes work that’s character-driven and realistic, whereas genre fiction generally describes work that’s plot-driven and based on specific tropes.

What makes literary fiction different?

Whereas genre fiction from Romance to Dystopian Horror is plot-driven, Literary Fiction is character-driven. Any action in the story impacts the main character or characters, and understanding this impact is the whole point of telling the story. Another way to recognize Literary Fiction is by its story structure.

What makes literary fiction unique?

Literary authors have distinct, polished prose, and that authorial voice is what sets literary fiction apart from genre fiction. The prose elevates the novels into something approaching art, even when a literary novel has a genre-ish plot.

What are the major differences between commercial fiction and literary fiction?

Whilst there’s crossover between the two, they are distinct categories. Literary fiction is often focused on artistry, with the story being driven by character and internal motivations. Commercial fiction is generally more plot driven, and read for entertainment rather than its art.

Is literary fiction better than genre fiction?

Generally, genre fiction tends to place value on entertainment and, as a result, it tends to be more popular with mass audiences. Literary fiction, on the other hand, is a bit trickier to define. In general, it emphasizes meaning over entertainment. Literary fiction also aspires toward art.

Why literary fiction is better than popular fiction?

As the authors discuss, because literary fiction “paints a more complex picture of human affairs, and of the human psyche, than popular fiction . . . we should find that readers of literary fiction develop more complex schemas about others, their behavior, and about the social world they inhabit.”

Why do you need to identify these literary genres?

It is important to know which genre a piece of work falls into because the reader will already have certain expectations before he even begins to read. Genre, in broad terms, refers to any works that share certain characteristics.

What is the difference between literary fiction and contemporary fiction?

Literary Fiction Also known as “serious” fiction. More often takes place in realistic settings. “Contemporary fiction” is somewhat of its own category — stories set during modern times and written for an adult audience but with less focus on language.

What are the literary genres that you are most familiar with?

The five genres of literature students should be familiar with are Poetry, Drama, Prose, Nonfiction, and Media—each of which is explained in more detail below. You’ll see some overlap between genres; for example, prose is a broader term that includes both drama and non-fiction.

What is accessible literary fiction?

On an individual level, accessibility seems relatively easy to recognize: any book that a particular individual can pick up and sail on through without wanting/needing some kind of outside explanation or pause for thought is accessible to them.

What is an example of literary fiction?

Literary fiction can include novels, novellas, and short stories. Examples of literary fiction that are known to most readers include works such as: F. Scott Fitzgerald’s This Side of Paradise.

Why is literary fiction better?

Recent research in neuroscience suggests that you might look to the library for solutions; reading literary fiction helps people develop empathy, theory of mind, and critical thinking. When we read, we hone and strengthen several different cognitive muscles, so to speak, that are the root of the EQ.