/lit/ - Literature

[Anonymous No.12278449]

What is the difference between genre fiction and literature? Can something be both? Why or why not?

[Anonymous No.12278462]

It doesn't mean anything. Crime and Punishment was considered genre fiction back during its publication but is now considered literature.

[Anonymous No.12278473]

>>12278449
Genre fiction is what the uppity connoisseurs turn their noses up at, literature is much of the same except to the taste the uppity connoisseurs as being of intellectual value. If you want the basic definition, genre fiction is sci-fi, fantasy, horror, drama, etc. It fits into a genre. Literature is usually modern set or otherwise written at a modern time for the author.

[Anonymous No.12278476]

>>12278449
Time

[Anonymous No.12278481]

Literature is realism.

[Anonymous No.12278791]

>>12278449
Literature is every written word. Check your definitions.

[Anonymous No.12278797]

Genre fiction is when someone you don't like sells more than you

[Anonymous No.12279601]

>>12278449
Genre fiction does not lay the emphasis on prose. Only the plot is essential. As a consequence :
- Genre fiction can be very good if the plot is very good (like Agatha Christie)
- Genre fiction magically turns into literature if the prose itself is noticeable (like Ray Bradbury)
There's no need to reject this distinction. It's legit and valid. No need either to invoke "connoisseurs", imho. The criterium is pretty objective. It does not even imply anything regarding the quality or value of the books.
I like Agatha Christie much better than Ray Bradbury btw

[Anonymous No.12279610]

Does it analyze the human condition? Most books don't have any real characters just wooden cardboard cut-outs masquerading for the sake of the plot. If you make truly real characters then it becomes good literature.

Basically, how true is it?

[Anonymous No.12279616]

>>12279610
>Does it analyze the human condition?
I think this is the worst way to define literature.