Genre Theory
Genre theory examines how texts are categorised by shared conventions, audience expectations, and social functions. Understanding genre helps readers and writers use and subvert conventions for effect.
What You Need to Know
Key Concept Diagram
Genre is defined by conventions: structural, thematic, and stylistic features shared by texts
Genre shapes reader expectations: a thriller should create tension; a romance should resolve in connection
Subverting genre involves deliberately breaking conventions to create surprise or commentary
Hybrid genres blend features of multiple genres (e.g. romantic comedy, horror thriller)
Key Vocabulary
Genre
A category of text defined by shared conventions, themes, and forms
Convention
A widely accepted feature or rule associated with a particular genre
Subversion
Deliberately undermining or challenging generic conventions for effect
Hybrid genre
A text that blends features of two or more genres
Knowledge Check
Select the correct answer for each question. Click "Check Answer" to see if you are right.
Question 1
Which is a convention of the detective fiction genre?
Question 2
A horror film that reveals the monster is actually human and sympathetic subverts the genre by:
Question 3
A romantic comedy that ends with the couple separating rather than uniting is an example of:
Key Concepts Summary
- ●Genre is defined by conventions: structural, thematic, and stylistic features shared by texts
- ●Genre shapes reader expectations: a thriller should create tension; a romance should resolve in connection
- ●Subverting genre involves deliberately breaking conventions to create surprise or commentary
- ●Hybrid genres blend features of multiple genres (e.g. romantic comedy, horror thriller)