The genres of literature are categories that classify literary works based on their form, content, and style. They help to distinguish different types of literature from one another. The three main genres of literature are:
1. Prose: This is a form of written or spoken language that follows natural flow and grammatical structure. It includes works such as novels, short stories, biographies, and essays.
2. Poetry: This is a form of literature that uses rhythm, imagery, and figurative language to convey emotions and ideas. It includes works such as sonnets, ballads, epics, and free verse.
3. Drama: This is a form of literature that is performed on stage or screen, and includes works such as plays, films, and television shows. It typically involves dialogue, characters, and a plot.
These three genres can be further sub-divided into more specific categories, such as comedy, tragedy, romance, and horror, among others.