University of North Carolina
Sciences
Science writing follows many of the same principles as writing in language arts, but some structural details differ. Individuals read an online science handout that covers how to write with precision, choose appropriate details, and use...
British Library
British Library: Discovering Literature: The Rise of the Novel
This article explains how the novel took shape in the 18th century with the works of Daniel Defoe, Samuel Richardson, Henry Fielding, and Laurence Sterne, and how the book industry responded to the new genre.
Annenberg Foundation
Annenberg Learner: American Passages: Gothic Undercurrents: Edgar Allan Poe
This biography features Edgar Allan Poe who introduced the genre of horror and mystery to literature in the nineteenth century with stories such as "The Raven."
Other
The Augustan Period, Vergil, and the Aeneid
Explores the relationship between the Augustan period of Roman literature, its most famous poet, and his greatest work. Provides good background to the life of Vergil and the genre of epic poetry.
British Library
British Library: Discovering Literature: An Introduction to Restoration Comedy
This article introduces the characters, conventions, and historical context of Restoration comedy, and explores what the genre has to say about gender, courtship, and class.
Library of Congress
Loc: Nls: The Jalna Series by Mazo De La Roche
An introduction to the Jalna series, "sixteen novels that tell the story of the Canadian Whiteoak family from 1854 to 1954." Read about this fictional family, learn what critics have said its content and author, Mazo de la Roche, and...
British Library
British Library: 20th Century: Theatre Practitioners and Genres
From Stanislavski to Brecht and from Theatre of the Absurd to Theatre Workshop, explore some of the key influences and developments within 20th-century theatre practice.
Victorian Web
The Victorian Web: Charlotte Bronte
This resource provides an elaborate overview of the life, works, and times of Charlotte Bronte. Content ranges from the genre, plot, and theme found in "Jane Eyre," to the position of middle-class women of Bronte's time, to the Boer War....
Other
Personal Site: Travel Literature in the Medieval Period
A nice description of the literary genre known as "travel literature" as it was seen during the Middle Ages in Europe. The author notes that many times, medieval writers would make up exotic creatures to entertain their readers.
Authors Calendar
Author's Calendar: Gabriel Garcia Marquez
The life and work of Latin American writer Gabriel Garcia Marquez are surveyed with an emphasis on his contribution to the genre of magical realism.
British Library
British Library: Discovering Literature: Print and Perception
Margaret Cavendish and Katherine Philips both wrote across a range of genres and achieved considerable success in their day. This article explores their different approaches to the difficulties of being a 17th-century female writer.
Other
Society of Children's Book Writers and Illustrators
This is the Society of Children's Book Writers and Illustrators homepage. A great starting point for new writers interested in exploring this genre.
Victorian Web
The Victorian Web: Charlotte Bronte: Jane Eyre
A portal to biographical information and essays related to Charlotte Bronte (1816-1855) and her novel "Jane Eyre," including information about social and political history, characterization, themes, genre, setting, imagery, and more.
Rutgers University
Rutgers University: Literary Resources on the Net
Extensive listing of literary links on the Internet, grouped into categories. Useful for general browsing through a category.
Shmoop University
Shmoop: Julius Caesar Analysis: Literary Devices in Julius Caesar
A discussion of the literary devices used by Shakespeare in The Tragedy of Julius Caesar. Each device is linked to additional pages with more detailed information and examples.
Victorian Web
Brown University: The Victorian Web
This is a comprehensive resource on literary, philosophical, religious, scientific and technological advancements of the Victorian age. Learn about famous Victorian authors, literary genres and more.
Harold D. Underdown
October 2005 Blog: Defining Historical Fiction
A good resource for understanding the genre of historical fiction, especially when applied to the characteristics of children's literature. From The Purple Crayon: a website devoted to children's literature.
Harold D. Underdown
Writing Mysteries for Children's Magazines
An excellent resource for anyone looking to write in the literary genre of mystery, especially for children. Includes helpful information and tips for writers on topics such as publishing and content.
British Library
British Library: Discovering Literature: Neoclassicism
Writers and craftsmen including Alexander Pope, John Dryden, Jonathan Swift, and Josiah Wedgwood found inspiration in the classical period. This article explores how their works adopted the style, genres, aesthetic values, and subjects...
British Library
British Library: Strange Case of Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde: Discovering Literature
Uncover 19th-century connections from Darwin to Jack the Ripper, play a Gothic genre word game, and examine how the novel has been depicted in illustrations, book covers and photographs. [PDF]
Other
Myth and Legend From Ancient Times to the Space Age
Is there a difference between myth and legend? This site seeks to define both and point out the differences between the two. Also has a "time line" showing development of myths from ancient times to present day. Extensive information.
Other
"Everyman" Synopsis and Quiz
This site, designed as a supplement to a college English Literature course, contains information on the following: the genre of the morality play, the characters in "Everyman," and a brief synopsis of the play. Click on Images from Hans...
Victorian Web
The Victorian Web: Realism
This Victorian Web site defines realism as used in literature and as a "nineteenth-century movement that believed novelists and painters should concentrate on describing the physical, material details of life."
Other
Book Page Interview: Gary Soto
This site, part of the online version of the magazine BookPage, provides a 1998 interview with Gary Soto, in which he discusses the themes of some of his works, his background, and his use of different genres of writing.