Introduction. Mythology and literature of antiquity

3. General types of literature
Literature can generally be divided into two types, prose and poetry.

1. 
   Prose consists of those writings within the common flow of conversation in sentences and paragraphs.
   

There are many types of prose. These include the following:

1. 
   Novel. This is a long narrative divided into chapters. The events are taken from true-to-life stories. The novel spans long period of time. There are many characters involved.
   

Example: The Scarlet Letter by Nathaniel Hawthorne

2. 
   Short Story. A narrative involving one or more characters, one plot and, one single impression.
   

Example: The Chieftest Mourner by Gilda Cordero Fernando.

3. 
   Play. A scripted story divided into acts and acts into scenes.
   

Example: Cadaver by Alberto S. Florentino.

4. 
   Legend. Fictitious narrative usually about origion of a place, object, etc.
   

Example: The Legend of Mariang Makiling by Jose Rizal.

5. 
   Fable. Fictitious narrative that deals with animals and inanimate objects who speak and act like people and their purpose is to enlighten the minds of children to events that can mould their ways to attitudes.
   

Example: The Monkey and the Tortoise.

6. 
   Anecdote. A narrative which is a product of a writer’s imagination, aiming to bring out lessons to readers.
   

Example: The Moth and the Lamp.

7. 
   Essay. This is an attempt to express the viewpoint and opinion of the writer about a particular problem or event.
   

Example: Where’s the Patis by Carmen Guerrero Nakpil.

8.