Literary Genres: Lyrical and Dramatic Forms
Literary Genres
Concept
In the task of organizing and shaping the content they intend to communicate, the author is conditioned by the literary code, a set of structures, molds previous textual the work itself, in part, stem from the attitude the author takes towards what you want express and partly constitute a system previously set by tradition: Modalities discourse, literary genres, themes and motifs, stylistic devices, etc.
Aristotle identifies three major generic categories, depending on the attitude they adopt for the content they transmit:
Lyrical
Concept
Since antiquity, it is considered the purest form of feeling, imagination, and the author’s personal thoughts. Therefore, subjectivity dominates. It identifies as a central point, personal experience, unique and not transferable, the self that speaks.
There is a lyricism almost completely isolated with respect to everything that happens in the extroverted exterior and a lyricism that draws on the emotions aroused by objects or events in the world.
Characteristics of Lyric Compared to Other Genres
a) Brevity and intensification. The reason this lyrical speech develops around a fundamental thematic core.
b) Completeness and absence of “history.” The lyric poem is a highly cohesive text and strong thematic unity. Moreover, it does not appear as “history” but as “subject,” since in any lyrical text, a basic thematic realization is provided.
c) Realization. The absence of a direct relationship with a spatiotemporal reality explains features such as timelessness, impersonality, universality, and diversity of valid interpretations.
d) Statism. It is an essentially static form.
e) Intense poetic function. Instead of direct language, it resorts to symbolism, rhythm, versification techniques, which further accentuate the power of suggestion.
f) Wide range, much higher than in the epic and the dramatic.
Some Lyrical Forms:
- Ode. In a certain extent and high tone, it serves the poet to express ideas so restrained.
- Anthem. Formal Composition for the song that is used to express patriotic feelings.
- Elegy. Long poem that expresses feelings of grief at individual misfortunes.
- Song. Of varying length, usually expressing emotions of love type.
- Epistle. In the form of a letter, addressed philosophical or moral issues.
- Eclogue. Exhibition of feelings of love and excitement of nature in the mouths of pastors.
Finally, do not be confused lyrical text and text in verse, as there are no lyrical poems.
Dramatic
Definition
As in the narrative, it offers a story in which characters are involved, that develops in a space-time framework. However, no action is reported; it is represented. The drama is written for performance.
The narrator disappears completely, giving voice to their characters, which must be played by actors, complete with costumes, scenery, “props, lighting, music, effects, etc., following the directions that the playwright invented.
Conflict
Element analysis is fundamental to any dramatic piece. The conflict refers to the opposing forces that move the plot development of the drama. No conflict, no theater.
Characters
The characterization is given by the language they use. If they appear in the text references to their physical, mental, apparel. Lorca’s green dress facing the black Adela that all are obliged to carry through the imposition of Bernarda.
Some Dramatic Forms:
- Tragedy. In case sublime, his characters are of high status and the language is high. The ending is painful.
- Comedy. In light matter, his characters are of low status, language, plain and outcome, amused.
- Drama or tragicomedy. Serious action and conflict, often with unfortunate outcome.
- Interlude are minor genres, the farce, farce, the auto sacramental.