storyLines

By Julian W

There is an on-going debate occurring within the school community regarding which types of literature are the best. This general discussion has provoked many different opinionated responses. Many different types of literatures contain similar qualities. However, which type of literature contains the most effective literary devices to challenge a student’s vocabulary, imagination and comprehension?

Novels are probably one of the largest sources of student literature today. Novels more effectively capture the imagination of readers because they include many features such as: new vocabulary, literary techniques, characters and themes. They also allow readers to exercise their imagination throughout the duration of the book. The amount of concentration used whilst reading a book should also dramatically increase comprehension.

Film (Usually based on other forms of literature) is also a more common source of student literature. Stories from novels are often converted into highly popular films today. Unfortunately, films do not allow the viewer to capture a full understanding of the story. However, films are more greatly recognised for their entertainment and theatrical effects. Whilst films do not allow the viewer to retain their own interpretation and imagination of the story as well as that of novels, the audience views the story from the director and filmmaker’s perspective only. Films, nevertheless, are probably the most popular source of Literature today.

Apart from Novels and Films, there are also many other important and effective types of literature. These include: Myths and Legends, Fables, Short stories, Poetry, Drama and Folk Tales. Although all of these exist and the importance that they may have played should be acknowledged, they do not appear to be as popular amongst students now.

Myths and Legends are both similar forms of literature that effectively provoke a student’s imagination and literacy skills. They are usually traditional stories and accounts written during early times. Myths and Legends do, however, have many distinctive differences. A Legend is usually regarded as ‘history’, but however, the story remains unconfirmed. A Myth is a fictitious story that usually includes a social marvel or supernatural beings and events. These types of literature usually allow the student to expand their vocabulary because of the substantial number of difficult literary devices and the language used. Unfortunately though, it is difficult to locate and purchase copies of original Myths and Legends.

Similar to short stories, Fables provide morals throughout the story and towards the end of the story. Fables also differ in the fact that they contain animals and use anthropomorphism to allow the animals in the story to have human qualities and rights. These stories remain as easy alternatives to Novels and other forms of literature but still allow the reader to enhance their comprehension, vocabulary and imagination.

Short Stories have many distinctive qualities making them unlike to Fables. Short Stories do not have to comply with any specific plot restrictions. They do not need to use literary devices like anthropomorphism, personification, irony, etc. The only restriction placed upon these stories is their length. These stories remain similar to Novels and other forms of literature but unfortunately do not follow in the amount of popularity.

Folk Tales are not commonly known throughout the student population of the school. The New Oxford American Dictionary describes a folk tale as “a story originating in popular culture, typically passed on by word of mouth”. This form of literature only captures in slight: a student’s imagination, vocabulary and comprehension.

Poetry is another form of literature that is commonly used and studied in classes throughout a student’s schooling career. Poems can range in size from small to large. Some very significant poems that exist and are remembered today include: Biblical references and Beowulf. Poetry can include rhythms, rhymes or just verse recital. Poems also usually include metaphoric meanings. Poems can sometimes be easily analysed for their use of language and literary devices typically in student classes.

Finally, the use of drama is also a very good, entertaining form of literature. Unlike other forms, it is viewed by an audience and can contain music, singing, lighting, sets, properties, and many more elements to add to the impact of the story.

From the above article, I believe that the many forms of literature available today can all be used appropriately to successfully portray the author’s plot and characters correctly. However, some forms of literature remain more successful in capturing the audience’s imagination, vocabulary and to challenge comprehension.

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