Final answer:
Genre describes a category of literary composition characterized by particular styles and content, including creative nonfiction, fiction, drama, and poetry, and can include subgenres with distinct characteristics.
Step-by-step explanation:
The term genre refers to a category of artistic or literary composition characterized by particular styles, forms, or content. In the context of literature, a genre may encompass various types of writing such as creative nonfiction, fiction, drama, and poetry. Genres can be further divided into subgenres, such as gothic, romance, detective story, bildungsroman, and novel of manners, each with their own traditional plotlines, character developments, and themes. However, some literary works might not fit neatly into a single genre or may blend elements from multiple genres.
Understanding the audience's expectations and the author's purpose often helps in identifying the genre of a particular literary work. For instance, in scriptwriting, the genre is shaped by the author's intent to communicate with and possibly persuade the audience. Similarly, in position arguments, the genre is defined by the writer's aim to present and argue a perspective on a debatable issue. It's important to note that genres are not fixed categories, and literary works can use different forms to convey their plot, such as epistolary form or journal entries.