How has the academic reception of popular genres changed over time?
– Popular genres refers to the broad spectrum of new media that is often overlooked by ‘serious’ authors. Throughout the earlier centuries, popular genres were disregarded and other types of literature such as poetry, drama, and non-fiction were the peak of popularity. However, in today’s society, popular genres have become a growing market for many new authors. Some of the most popular genres that are taking over from Shakespeare include fantasy, science fiction, anime/manga, and action and adventure (Mountfort, 2020).
Popular genres has changed drastically over time. During the earlier periods of literature, it was very much romanticised and related to its own specific time era. For a while Shakespeare took over with many of his works which became the normal back then. Today however, we have our own types of literature that have changed and will consistently change as we and the earth ages.
One of the biggest changes that has happened over time is the introduction of pictures into literature. Categories such as Manga and comics have become incredibly popular through the twentieth century, up until now. Newer genres seem to be getting more creative and they really let the author do whatever they want to do, whilst letting readers imaginations run wild.
What might the value be of studying them?
– Popular genres have generally not been used with teaching and studying primarily because they are a new type of literature. It is argued that the value that may come out of studying the newer genres is they have the potential to offer us a better perception into society which is something that classical literature could not do. It is also noted that newer genres of literature actually give us better images, adventures, and relationships which many of us understand and like a lot more than the ‘high’ literature.
Another reason that popular genres should be studied today is that they seem to interest a wider range of society and they could teach us and give us a better insight into the world of reading and literature. The newer genres help us to understand ourselves and our ever-changing society. Science fiction is often set up to show its readers and watchers about the future and what possibilities await.
Much like people, the world and society change almost every ten years. New trends are discovered and forgotten just as easily but they always find a way of coming back. Popular genres are much like that. Of course, no one will ever forget geniuses such as Shakespeare, Charles Dickens, Jane Austen, and Edgar Allan Poe, but many of their works do not and cannot relate to modern age studies, which is why introducing new genre’s is so important.
Mountfort, P. (2020). ENGL602 Pop Gen Week 1 Intro [PowerPoint slides]. Blackboard. https://blackboard.aut.ac.nz/
Pop Genres 2020 