ABSTRACT
In this chapter, the authors consider the implications for selecting, interpreting, and discussing literature in terms of genre. They define literary elements in conjunction with classroom activities that help readers use these concepts in discussion and in writing. The authors focus on the terminology of contemporary metafictive literature and show how teachers can use the technique of bridging between texts to add richness to literary conversations. They discuss how literature is categorized into genres and the terminology that is used to describe the elements of literature. The authors emphasize, however, that the language of literature is only a tool, not an end in itself. They focus on the literary elements found in fiction, but many of these same elements appear in nonfiction, literary conversations can also be enhanced by equipping students with the language that identifies and describes the component parts of a literary whole.
