Fiction
is a general term for any form of literary narrative that is invented or
imagined rather than being factual. For those individuals who equate fact with truth,
the imagined or invented character of fiction tends to render it relatively
unimportant or trivial among the genres. Defenders of fiction are quick to point out
that the fictional mode is an essential part of being. The ability to imagine or discuss
what-if plots, characters, and events is clearly part of the human experience.
Prose
is derived from the Latin and means “straightforward discourse.” Prose
fiction, although having many categories, may be divided into three main groups:
Short stories
: a fictional narrative, the length of which varies, usually under
20,000 words. Short stories usually have only a few characters and generally
describe one major event or insight. The short story began in magazines in
the late 1800s and has flourished ever since.
Novels
: a longer work of fiction, often containing a large cast of characters
and extensive plotting. The emphasis may be on an event, action, social
problems, or any experience. There is now a genre of nonfiction novels
pioneered by Truman Capote’s
In Cold Blood
in the 1960s. Novels may also be
written in verse.
Novellas
: a work of narrative fiction longer than a short story but shorter
than a novel. Novellas may also be called short novels or novelettes. They
originated from the German tradition and have become common forms in all
of the world's literature.
Many elements influence a work of prose fiction. Some important ones are:
Speech and dialogue: Characters may speak for themselves or through the
narrator. Dialogue may be realistic or fantastic, depending on the author’s
aim.
Thoughts and mental processes: There may be internal dialogue used as a
device for plot development or character understanding.
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Dramatic involvement: Some narrators encourage readers to become
involved in the events of the story, whereas others attempt to distance
readers through literary devices.
Action: This is any information that advances the plot or involves new
interactions between the characters.
Duration: The time frame of the work may be long or short, and the
relationship between described time and narrative time may vary.
Setting and description: Is the setting critical to the plot or characters? How
are the action scenes described?
Themes: This is any point of view or topic given sustained attention.
Symbolism: Authors often veil meanings through imagery and other literary
constructions.
Fiction is much wider than simply prose fiction. Songs, ballads, epics, and
narrative poems are examples of non-prose fiction. A full definition of fiction must
include not only the work itself but also the framework in which it is read. Literary
fiction can also be defined as not true rather than nonexistent, as many works of
historical fiction refer to real people, places, and events that are treated
imaginatively as if they were true. These imaginary elements enrich and broaden
literary expression.
When analyzing fiction, it is important for the reader to look carefully at the
work being studied. The plot or action of a narrative can become so entertaining
that the language of the work is ignored. The language of fiction should not simply
be a way to relate a plot—it should also yield many insights to the judicious reader.
Some prose fiction is based on the reader's engagement with the language rather
than the story. A studious reader will analyze the mode of expression as well as the
narrative. Part of the reward of reading in this manner is to discover how the author
uses different language to describe familiar objects, events, or emotions. Some
works focus the reader on an author’s unorthodox use of language, whereas others
may emphasize characters or storylines. What happens in a story is not always the
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critical element in the work. This type of reading may be difficult at first but yields
great rewards.
The
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