Literary Genres, Forms, and Grammatical Degrees Defined
Grammatical Degrees
Grammatical Degrees: Degrees of intensity of the grammatical expression property of adjectives, designated by qualifiers.
- Positive Degree
- Comparative Degree
- Superlative Degree
Literary Forms
Literature: An artistic form of expression using the oral or written word as primary matter.
Verse: A form of composition that aims to create rhythmic sensations.
Prose: Generally lacks the rhythm that characterizes verse, as it does not use repetition of similar units in its structure, and breaks, accents, and sounds are irregularly distributed.
Stanza: Groupings of verses that follow a fixed scheme.
Poem: A lyrical text, often composed of verses.
Literary Genres
Literary Genres: Categories that group literary texts with common features, giving readers an idea about the work and providing authors with diagrams and models for composition.
Types of Literary Genres
- Epic or Narrative Genre: Accounts the actions of characters and introduces their words.
- Lyric Genre: Reflects the author’s voice, expressing their real or simulated feelings.
- Dramatic or Theatrical Genre: Developed primarily through the characters’ dialogue, without involving the author’s voice.
Examples of Epic or Narrative Works
Epic: A poem that relates extensive narrative facts linked to the mythical origins of a people.
Ballad (Cantar de Gesta): A medieval poem that tells of the deeds of a historical or pseudo-historical hero.
Story: A short story that usually follows a simple narrative scheme.
Novel: An extended narrative prose work in which the actions of characters are told.
Examples of Lyric Works
Song: A composition with a very marked rhythm that expresses feelings.
Elegy: A sad composition in which the poet expresses grief at some unfortunate facts.
Ode: Characterized by its high, solemn tone, usually employed in praise or exaltation of something or someone.
Examples of Dramatic Works
Tragedy: Its characters are heroic beings who face adverse situations and are forced to contend with overwhelming forces.