Genre conventions
The characteristic features, forms, structures, and reader expectations that define a literary genre (tragedy, comedy, pastoral, gothic, modernist, etc.). Genre conventions provide frameworks that writers both follow and innovate within.
Real World
Shakespeare's *Hamlet* both follows revenge tragedy conventions (the ghost's command, the delayed revenge, multiple deaths) and subverts them through Hamlet's philosophical paralysis, creating dramatic tension by frustrating audience expectations.
Exam Focus
Always specify which genre convention is being followed or subverted, then explain the effect on the reader — vague genre references score no AO2 marks.
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