Geography of literary genres

Main thing

Geography of literary genres is the study of how different literary genres are influenced by, and reflect, the geographical regions they originate from or are set in.

1. Western Genres: These often depict vast landscapes, frontier life, and the struggle between law and lawlessness. Examples include Westerns, Comedy Westerns, and Acid Westerns.

2. Eastern Genres: These may focus more on philosophical introspection, societal norms, and historical events. Examples include Haiku, Wuxia, and Jidaigeki.

3. Global Genres: These transcend geographical boundaries, often incorporating diverse cultural elements and universal themes. Examples include Science Fiction, Fantasy, Mystery, and Romance.

Terminology

• Western Genres: These are literary genres that originated from or are set in Western regions. They often depict vast landscapes, frontier life, and the struggle between law and lawlessness. Example: Westerns, Comedy Westerns.

• Eastern Genres: These are literary genres that originated from or are set in Eastern regions. They often focus on philosophical introspection, societal norms, and historical events. Example: Haiku, Wuxia.

• Global Genres: These are literary genres that transcend geographical boundaries, often incorporating diverse cultural elements and universal themes. Example: Science Fiction, Fantasy.

An analogy

Think of literary genres as different types of cuisine. Just as Italian food is known for pasta and Japanese food for sushi, Western genres are known for their depiction of frontier life, Eastern genres for their introspective nature, and Global genres for their universal themes.

A main misconception

A common misconception is that a genre's geographical label limits its appeal or relevance to that region. In reality, while a genre may originate from a specific region, its themes and narratives can resonate globally. For example, Westerns, while set in the American West, have found global audiences.

The history

1. Ancient times: Early literary genres were largely influenced by their geographical regions, such as Greek tragedies and Chinese poetry.

2. Middle Ages: Regional influences continued with the emergence of genres like the European chivalric romance.

3. Modern era: The 19th and 20th centuries saw the rise of genres like the American Western and Japanese Haiku.

4. Contemporary times: Today, we see a blend of regional and global influences in literary genres.

"Literature is the art of discovering something extraordinary about ordinary people, and saying with ordinary words something extraordinary." - Boris Pasternak, a Nobel Prize-winning Russian author, whose work exemplifies the deep connection between literature and its geographical roots.

Three cases how to use it right now

1. As a reader, understanding the geography of literary genres can enhance your reading experience. For example, knowing that Westerns are influenced by the landscapes and history of the American West can add depth to your understanding of these stories.

2. As a writer, you can use this knowledge to enrich your storytelling. If you're writing a Haiku, for instance, you might incorporate elements of Japanese culture and philosophy.

3. As a student or scholar of literature, this understanding can provide a new lens to analyze and interpret literary works.

Interesting facts

1. The term "Spaghetti Western" comes from the fact that these films were often produced and directed by Italians.

2. Haikus, a form of Japanese poetry, traditionally contain a reference to a season.

3. Science Fiction, a global genre, has its roots in the 19th century with authors like Jules Verne and H.G. Wells.

4. The Romance genre, another global genre, is currently the best-selling genre in the world.

5. The Western genre, while quintessentially American, has been adapted in other countries, resulting in sub-genres like the Australian "Meat Pie Western".