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Great Universal WritersTopic 13Science, Horror and Detective FictionTalking about genresIn this case, we are not going to talk about a specific movement or a historical moment of literature, but about distinct narrative genres.

A genre is group of different texts that share many aspects, such as themes, setting and narrative structure. They tend to tell very similar stories, so you can have a rather accurate expectation of a genre book or film.

There are many different genres: drama, romance, comedy, fantasy, etc. We are going to focus on 3 distinct genres: Science Fiction, Horror Fiction and Detective Fiction.

Important note: the word fiction is commonly used to refer to something that is false, unreal or fantastic. While of course those are some possibilities of fiction, the word doesnt just mean something that is not real. It actually refers to any story that is artistically depicted, and it can be completely invented, can be about something that actually happened, or can be a combination of both.Given the complexity and artistic experimentation of the Avant-garde movements, their main genre in literature is poetry, though there are many examples as well of narrative and theatre..

In general, the most important characteristic of Avant-garde literature is the use of innovative and experimental writing techniques, such as the Stream of Consciousness, the Internal Monologue, the Exquisite Corpse, among others.

Science FictionDetective FictionHorror FictionScience Fiction (Sci-Fi)Its main characteristic is that it speculates on the possibilities of scientific and technological advancements. Most Sci-Fi stories are set on futuristic environments, but thats not absolutely necessary.Other characteristics are:Encounters with alien or extraterrestrial species.Pessimistic view on the future.Technological advancement vs. Natural Order.Important texts and authors:

Voyage to the Center of the Earth, by Jules VerneI, Robot, by Isaac AsimovMartian Chronicles, by Ray BradburyThe Time Machine and The War of the Worlds, by Herbert George Wells

Some critics consider Frankenstein or the Modern Prometheus, by Mary Shelley, to be the very first Sci-Fi novel, written in 1818Horror FictionThe main objective of horror stories is, of course, to cause fear in the reader, by evoking different themes and situations that induce fear, such as death, danger, loss, suspense, ect.Other characteristics:Gruesome or explicit violence.Psychological fear.Dark, eerie or oppressive setting.

Difference between Horror and Terror

Important texts and authors:

Extraordinary stories, by Edgar Allan PoeDracula, by Bram StokerAura, by Carlos FuentesThe Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde, by Robert Louis StevensonDetective fictionIts main characteristic is their stories drive mystery and the pursue of justice against crime. It is also very common for detective stories to be told from the perspective of the protagonist.Other characteristics:Social criticism.Personal feelings involved in public or professional matters.Plot twists or surprising revelations.

Important texts and authors:

The Murders of the Rue Morge, by Edgar Allan PoeSherlock Holmes, by Arthur Conan DoyleMurder of the Orient Express, by Agatha ChristieSombra de la Sombra, by Paco Ignacio Taibo II