Comparing Genres

Grade 8 Reading | FL B.E.S.T. Standard: ELA.8.R.3.3

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What Will You Learn?

The same story can be told in many different ways! In 8th grade, you'll learn to compare how genre (the type of text) shapes plot, character, and setting. You'll also analyze how modern works adapt classic texts - what changes, what stays the same, and WHY those choices matter.

What is Genre?

Genre is the category or type of literary work. Each genre has its own conventions - the typical features and rules that readers expect.

Novel/Prose Fiction

Extended narrative with detailed description, inner thoughts, complex plot development

Drama/Play

Dialogue-driven, stage directions, meant to be performed, focused scenes

Poetry

Compressed language, imagery, rhythm, emotional intensity, figurative language

Short Story

Brief, focused on single effect, limited characters, concise plot

How Genre Shapes the Story

Element Novel Drama Poetry
Plot Many events, subplots, detailed development Focused action, revealed through scenes Single moment or feeling, compressed time
Character We read their thoughts directly Known through what they say and do Speaker's voice, emotional perspective
Setting Richly described in prose Shown on stage, stage directions Created through imagery and atmosphere

Same Story, Different Genres

Here's the same scene told three different ways:

As Prose (Novel)

Sarah's heart pounded as she stood at the cliff's edge. Below, the waves crashed against rocks with a sound like thunder. She thought about all the reasons she'd come here - the letter in her pocket, the choices she'd made. Her hands trembled. This was it. The moment everything would change.

As Drama (Play)

[SARAH stands at cliff's edge. Sound of crashing waves. She holds a letter, hands shaking.]

SARAH: (to herself) I never thought it would end like this. (She looks at the letter) Everything I believed... everything I thought was true...

[She steps closer to the edge. Wind blows her hair.]

As Poetry

At the edge of endings,
where sea meets sky meets stone,
I hold the paper truth
that turned my world to bone.
The waves below are calling -
a thunder-chorus, wild and free.
This cliff is where I'll choose
who I'm about to be.

What Changes Between Genres?

Key Insight: Each genre has STRENGTHS and LIMITATIONS. Novels can show thoughts; drama shows action; poetry creates intense emotion through language.

Modern Adaptations of Classic Works

When a modern work adapts a classic, creators make CHOICES about what to:

KEEP:
  • Core themes
  • Essential characters
  • Central conflict
  • Key plot moments
CHANGE:
  • Time period/setting
  • Character details
  • Cultural references
  • Medium/format

Example: West Side Story adapts Romeo and Juliet - same star-crossed lovers theme, but updated to 1950s New York with rival gangs instead of families.

Your Turn! Analyze the Genre Differences

1. What can the NOVEL version tell us that the DRAMA version cannot directly show?
2. How does the POETRY version create emotional impact differently than the prose version?
3. If you were adapting this scene for a movie, what would you be able to show that the written versions cannot?
4. Think of a book that was made into a movie. What changed in the adaptation? Why do you think those changes were made?

Questions to Ask When Comparing Genres

FAST Success Kit | Grade 8 | FL B.E.S.T. Standard: ELA.8.R.3.3