Literature Genres

Often teaches a lesson or explains natural actions or events

• Folktale

• Tall Tale

• Myth

• Legend

Often based in historical facts with unbelievable parts added to the story

• Myth

• Tall Tale

• Legend

• Folktale

What is a folktale?

• A short story that has been passed down from generation to generation

• a life lesson that teaches right from wrong

• the main character, or hero in a story

• a story that explains something about the world such as frightening or mysterious natural forces and usually involves god and goddesses

Which of the following is a characteristic of a tall tale?

• follows a quest, or journal of a hero who has incredible strength and courage

• uses exaggeration to emphasize the abilities of the hero

Which of the following is a characteristic of a fable?

• has a moral that is directly stated at the end of the story that is indirectly communicated through what happens in the story

• tells about a hero that has unusual powers

Which of the following are characteristics of myths?

• features gods or other beings who have supernatural powers as well as certain flaws

• usually includes animal characters that stand for specific human qualities

A story of a real person's life that is written by that person.

• Autobiography

• Biography

• Historical Fiction

• Realistic Fiction

A story of a real person's life written by another person.

• Autobiography

• Biography

• Historical Fiction

• Realistic Fiction

An imaginary place where people lead dehumanized and often fearful lives

• Science Fiction

• Fantasy

• Horror

• Dystopian

A short story that usually is about animals and that is intended to teach a lesson.

• Fairy Tale

• Fable

• Folk Tale

• Myth