Non-fiction, as a literary genre, has always held a unique position in the realm of literature. It is a genre that revolves around facts, real events, and real people, serving as a window into the realities of our world. In this article, we’ll provide a deeper understanding of non-fiction, its definition, examples, and the various genres it encompasses.
What is Nonfiction in Literature?
First, let’s define nonfiction
Nonfiction is a rich and expansive domain of literature. Before looking into its diverse genres, let's begin with a comprehensive understanding by exploring its definition.
NONFICTION DEFINITION
What is nonfiction in literature?
At its core, non-fiction is any document or media content that attempts, in good faith, to convey information only about the real world. It is a genre of literature based on facts, where the people, events, and settings in non-fiction writing are real. This means that while the storytelling techniques might be similar to fiction, the content is grounded in truth.
Non-fiction literature has a simple goal: to provide information. It should be based on facts and conclusions derived from research or personal experience. It's important to note that non-fiction can still incorporate creative elements. This is often seen in forms like memoirs or travel writing, where the narrative structure and storytelling are heavily influenced by the author's personal perspective and style.
Characteristics of Non-fiction
- Based on real events
- Factual information
- Can include creativity
What is Nonfiction Defined By?
Fiction vs Non-Fiction
Understanding the difference between fiction and non-fiction is crucial to grasp the depth of literary works. These two major categories not only dictate the type of content but also influence the author's writing style and the readers' expectations.
Fiction
Fiction, unlike non-fiction, is a literary genre that deals with imaginary elements. The stories, characters, settings, and events are all products of the author's imagination. Although it may be inspired by real-life experiences or situations, it does not present factual or true information. Examples range from classic novels like Brave New World by Aldous Huxley to popular modern works like Cormac McCarthy's The Road.
Fiction aims to entertain and provoke thought, offering readers an escape from reality. This Ted-Talk by Jessica Wise dives into the value and allure of fiction throughout time.
How fiction can change reality • Jessica Wise
Non-Fiction
As already discussed, non-fiction is literature based on facts. It deals with real-world people, events, and settings, aiming to inform, educate, or express personal thoughts and experiences. Non-fiction can be anything from academic articles, biographies, self-help books, and travelogues, to news reports, essays, and more.
Summarizing nonfiction
The Fine Line
While both fiction and non-fiction have their unique attributes, there is a fine line dividing them. It lies in the realm of creative non-fiction, where factual information is presented using literary devices, styles, and techniques traditionally associated with fiction. This blending of genres illustrates the dynamic nature of literature.
Types of Non Fiction
Nonfiction Genres
Non-fiction is a broad genre that houses a wide range of subjects and styles. These genres have formed over time, catering to readers' diverse needs and interests worldwide.
Let's explore some of the most common genres found within non-fiction and literary examples from each.
History
These books delve into past events, societies, and individuals. They aim to provide an accurate representation of historical occurrences.
Some examples of history books include The Guns of August by Barbara Tuchman, which provides a detailed account of World War I. Another example is A People's History of the United States by Howard Zinn, which tells the story of America from the perspective of marginalized groups.
Biographies and Autobiographies
These are accounts of a person's life, written by someone else (biography) or by the person themselves (autobiography).
Notable biographies include Steve Jobs by Walter Isaacson, which chronicles the life of the Apple co-founder, and The Diary of a Young Girl by Anne Frank. This autobiography documents her experiences during the Holocaust.
Memoir
A memoir is a subset of autobiography, focusing on specific experiences or periods in the author's life rather than their life as a whole.
Examples of memoirs include Educated by Tara Westover, which recounts her journey from growing up in a strict and isolated household to earning a PhD from Cambridge University, and Eat, Pray, Love by Elizabeth Gilbert, which describes the author's travels and self-discovery.
Travel Writing
This genre encompasses books that describe the author's experiences while traveling. Popular travel writing books include Into the Wild by Jon Krakauer, which tells the story of Chris McCandless's solo journey into the Alaskan wilderness.
Hippie by Paulo Coelho is about the author's experience taking the fabled hippie trail across Europe to Nepal, aboard the Magic Bus, in search of self-discovery.
Philosophy
These works explore philosophical ideas and theories, often presenting complex concepts in an accessible way. Examples of philosophy books include Meditations by Marcus Aurelius, a collection of personal reflections by the Roman emperor, and Sophie's World by Jostein Gaarder, which introduces philosophical concepts through a fictional narrative.
Religion and Spirituality
Books in this category discuss various aspects of religion, spirituality, and personal growth. Noteworthy books in this category include The Power of Now by Eckhart Tolle, which explores the concept of living in the present moment, and The Bhagavad Gita translated by Eknath Easwaran, a revered Hindu scripture discussing spiritual teachings.
How to be Completely Carefree • Teachings from Eckhart Tolle
Self-Help
These are designed to assist readers in improving some aspect of their personal or professional lives. Examples of self-help books include The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People by Stephen R. Covey, which provides guidance on personal and professional development, and Atomic Habits by James Clear, which offers strategies for building and breaking habits.
Science
These books aim to explain scientific concepts to a general audience, often incorporating elements of narrative storytelling to make complex ideas more digestible.
Notable science books include A Brief History of Time by Stephen Hawking, which discusses cosmology and the universe, and Sapiens: A Brief History of Humankind by Yuval Noah Harari, which provides insights into human evolution and the development of civilizations.
Non-fiction is a diverse and dynamic genre, offering readers a chance to learn, grow, and experience the world through the lens of fact. Its importance and impact on both literature and our understanding of the world cannot be overstated. As a means of sharing knowledge and understanding, non-fiction continues to be a valuable and essential genre in the literary landscape.
Up Next
What is a Memoir?
Now that we have explored the vast expanse of non-fiction literature and its many genres, let's look deeper into one specific genre that has piqued the interest of many readers and authors alike - the memoir.
