Imaginative literature is divided into genre literature, mainstream and intellectual prose.
Genre literature
In genre literature, the plot plays the first violin, while it fits into a certain, previously known framework.
This does not mean that all genre novels should be predictable. The skill of the writer lies precisely in creating a unique world, unforgettable characters and an interesting way to get from point “A” (connection) to point “B” (denouement) under the given conditions.
As a rule, a genre work ends on a positive note, the author does not delve into psychology and other high matters and tries to simply entertain the readers.
Basic plot schemes in genre literature
Detective: crime – investigation – exposure of the criminal.
Love story: heroes meet – fall in love – fight for love – unite hearts.
Thriller: the hero lived his usual life – a threat arises – the hero tries to escape – the hero gets rid of the danger.
Adventure: the hero sets a goal and, overcoming many obstacles, achieves what he wants.
When we talk about fiction, fantasy, historical or contemporary novel, we are talking not so much about the plot as about the scenery, so when defining the genre, two or three terms are used that allow us to answer the questions: “What happens in the novel?” and “Where is going on?” If we are talking about children’s literature, then a corresponding note is made.
Examples: “modern love story”, “fantasy thriller” (action is an adventure), “historical detective”, “children’s adventure story”, “fairy tale for primary school age.”
Genre prose, as a rule, is published in series – either author’s or general.
Mainstream
In the mainstream (from the English mainstream – the main stream), readers expect unexpected solutions from the author. For this type of book, the most important thing is the moral development of the heroes, philosophy and ideology. The requirements for a mainstream author are much higher than for writers working with genre prose: he must be not only an excellent storyteller, but also a good psychologist and a serious thinker.
Another important feature of the mainstream is that such books are written at the intersection of genres. For example, it is impossible to say unequivocally that Gone with the Wind is just a love story or just a historical drama.
By the way, the drama itself, that is, the story of the tragic experience of the heroes, is also a sign of the mainstream.
Typically, novels of this type are released outside of the series. This is due to the fact that serious works are written for a long time and it is rather problematic to form a series out of them. Moreover, the authors of the mainstream are so different from each other that their books are difficult to group by any criterion other than “good book.”
When specifying the genre in mainstream novels, the emphasis is usually not so much on the plot, but on certain distinctive features of the book: a historical drama, a novel in letters, a fantastic saga, etc.
The emergence of the term
The very term “mainstream” originated from the American writer and critic William Dean Howells (1837-1920). As editor of one of the most popular and influential literary magazines of his time, The Atlantic Monthly, he had a clear preference for works written in a realistic manner and emphasizing moral and philosophical issues.
Thanks to Howells, realistic literature came into vogue, and for some time it was precisely it that was called the mainstream. The term stuck in the English language, and from there it moved to Russia.
Intellectual prose
Unlike the mainstream, which should appeal to a wide readership, intellectual prose is targeted at a narrow circle of connoisseurs and claims to be elitist. The authors do not set themselves the goal of commercial success: they are primarily interested in art for the sake of art and the opportunity to share something painful with the world.
In the overwhelming majority of cases, intellectual prose has a gloomy mood and is released outside the series.