• Art and culture -> Literature and Poetry

• 0 Comment

Which literary genres do critics consider to be the most prestigious?

Rena Pinnere

Well, well, well, my dear friends! We are about to embark on an epic journey through the world of literature, where we will discover which literary genres are considered to be the most prestigious by critics.

First of all, let me tell you, the literary world can be a tad bit snobbish at times. They turn their noses up at some genres and elevate others to the heavens. It's like they have some kind of monopoly on good taste, and we are just mere mortals at their mercy.

But fear not, my fellow book lovers, for we shall not be deterred by their highbrow attitude. We shall wade into the literary battlefield armed with knowledge and cunning, and emerge victorious!

So, which genres are considered to be the crème de la crème of the literary world, you ask? Well, it's no secret that the classics, such as Shakespeare and Dickens, are held in high esteem. But, let's face it, if you're not a fan of dense prose and convoluted plotlines, they can be a bit of a snooze fest.

Next up, we have the literary heavyweights - the likes of Hemingway, Faulkner, and Joyce. These guys know their way around a sentence, and their works are often taught in universities across the world. They are the epitome of literary excellence and are often praised for their depth and complexity.

But, let's not forget about the genre that often gets a bad rap - the romance novel. Yes, that's right, I said it. Romance novels are often dismissed as frivolous and shallow. However, they are hugely popular, and some of the best-selling authors in the world are romance writers. Plus, let's be honest, who doesn't love a good love story?

Moving on, we have the mystery/thriller genre. Agatha Christie, anyone? This genre is often overlooked by critics, but it's hard to deny its popularity. People love a good page-turner, and the mystery/thriller genre delivers just that.

Last but not least, we have the genre of literary fiction. This is a genre that is difficult to define, but it's often characterized by its focus on character development and exploration of big themes. It's not necessarily plot-driven, but more about the journey the characters go on and what they learn about themselves along the way.

So, there you have it - a rundown of the most prestigious genres in the literary world. But, I have to say, as a lover of all things books, I don't think there should be any hierarchy when it comes to literature. Let's just appreciate the joys of reading and leave the snobbery behind, shall we?