CONTEMPORARY AND

POPULAR LITERATURE
by Arpilleda Bryan S.
CONTEMPORARY LITERATURE
belonging to or occurring in the now, which suggests that writers after 1940 were focusing on
their feelings, emotions and societies as they were experiencing them.
The writing styles can vary, but the main idea is to convey realistic characters and experiences.
 History
Most agree that the era of contemporary literature began in 1960’s

Created after the end of World War II

The word “Contemporary Literature" means belonging to or occurring in the now, which suggests
that writers after 1940 were focusing on their feelings, emotions and societies as they were
experiencing them.
 MAIN FEATURES OF CONTEMPORARY
LITERATURE
1. Reality/hyper reality based

For example: 3D movies and themes of technological advancement such

as in “Inception”.

2. Strong Characters

For example: Paulo Coelho’s Alchemist

3. Based on Mini-narrative

For example: Anita Desai’s” Fire on the mountains” or Arundhati Roy’s

“Ministry of Utmost Happiness”.
 MAIN FEATURES OF CONTEMPORARY
LITERATURE
4. Disillusioned boundaries of right and wrong.

For example Khaled Hosseini’s” Kite Runner”

5. Binary opposition

For example: J.K Rowling’s “Harry Potter”

IMPORTANCE
It helps them to illuminate the strength or weakness of society. Literature or to be more specific,
contemporary literature helps the readers to develop their rational thinking.
 POPULAR LITERATURE
It is Derive from the word “POPULOS” which means people.

It contains writings that are intended for the Masses and those that find favor with large
audiences that is categorize and only started in 20th century.
In a simplest sense, popular literature was that kind of literature that was excluded from the
academia.
It is also a fiction that does not deal with abstract problems and the only purpose of this literature
is to appeal to the general public, that is why it is intended for entertainment and has to be written
in a way that sells.

It is also called as “Mass Market Fiction”

CHARACTERISTICS
A. COMMERCIAL- Pop Literature tends to be made to profit from sales
alone. Therefore, Pop Lit. in no way to displays the essence of the literary
work itself but only pursues profit.

B. SITUATIONAL- Pop Literature works are only temporary. If there’s a

work that appears afterwards then it tends that the previous literary
works will sink. That is why sometimes the films that will be launched
together with other films will delay the schedule because it is feard that
competitors will attract.
 POPULAR LITERATURE AS
GENRE FICTION:
Pop Fiction appeals to Masses
It follows a specific formula

Pop fiction is entertaining

Pop fiction is a plot driven
Often features happy ending

Pop fiction is easier to sell

 GENRES OF POPULAR
LITERATURE
1. FANTASY
2. YOUND ADULT
3. ROMANCE
4. MYSTERY
5. SCIENCE FICTION