Final answer:
A classification of literature such as fiction, drama, poetry, etc., is called genres. Genres represent different styles of writing like poetry, drama, fiction, and creative nonfiction. Understanding genres helps in analyzing and studying literature.
Step-by-step explanation:
Classification of Literature
The classification of literature such as fiction, drama, poetry, etc. is known as genres. Each genre represents a different style of writing and comes with its own set of conventions and traditions. In the literary landscape, there are four major genres: poetry, drama, fiction, and creative nonfiction. These can be further broken down into subgenres, like short stories, flash fiction, and lyric poetry. Understanding and recognizing these categories helps in analyzing literature and understanding the 'lay of the land' in the world of written texts.
Options such as themes, characters, and plots do not classify literature, instead they represent different elements found within literary works. A theme is a central topic, subject, or message within a story. Characters are the people, or sometimes animals or other beings, portrayed in the narrative. Plots, on the other hand, refer to the sequence of events that make up the story.
While works like Romeo and Juliet and To Kill a Mockingbird are easily classified into genres, the literary world is constantly evolving, and new forms of writing can challenge these conventions. Nonetheless, the concept of genre is a helpful tool in discussing and studying literature.