What term describes a major category or type of literature?

The term "genre" refers to a major category or type of literature, encompassing various forms, structures, and styles that share common characteristics. Genres help categorize literary works and give readers an expectation of the content and style of the work they are about to engage with. For instance, genres include fiction, non-fiction, poetry, drama, and more. Each genre has distinct conventions that influence the themes, characters, and narrative techniques used by authors.

In contrast, theme delves into the underlying messages or central ideas presented in a literary work, which may vary within a genre. Style pertains to an author’s unique way of expressing thoughts through language and literary techniques, influencing how a story feels or resonates with the reader. Form generally refers to the overall structure or framework of a literary piece, including its organization and arrangement, rather than the broader category that encompasses the piece itself. Thus, "genre" specifically identifies the fundamental classification of literature, which makes it the appropriate term in this scenario.