To distinguish between them, consider the plot. Realistic fiction often has plots that deal with real - world problems such as poverty, family disputes, or social inequality. General fiction can have a wide variety of plots, including those that involve time travel, magic, or intergalactic wars. Also, the language used can be a clue. Realistic fiction may use more everyday language, while general fiction, especially in genres like fantasy or science fiction, may have more specialized or made - up vocabulary.
One way is by looking at the setting. If it's a familiar, contemporary setting like a modern city or a small town, it might be realistic fiction. If it's a made - up world like Middle - earth in 'The Lord of the Rings', it's general fiction. Another factor is the characters' abilities. If they have normal human abilities, it could be realistic fiction. If they can fly without any devices or have superpowers, it's likely general fiction.
The key to differentiating between realistic fiction and general fiction lies in the believability of the story elements. In realistic fiction, the events, characters, and relationships should seem plausible in the context of our world. For example, a story about a high - school student trying to get into college. General fiction, though, can stretch the boundaries of believability. It can include elements like a hero with the power to control minds or a world where people live on floating islands. General fiction offers more freedom to create extraordinary scenarios, while realistic fiction stays closer to the real - world framework.
You can tell the difference by considering the plausibility of the events. In fiction, the sky's the limit for the plot. But in realistic fiction, the events should be something that could potentially occur in real life. For example, a story about a detective solving a crime using only his wits and normal investigation methods is more likely to be realistic fiction, while a detective solving a crime with the help of a mind - reading crystal would be fiction.
Examine the characters. In traditional fiction, characters might have superhuman powers or be from different mythical races. In realistic fiction, they are normal humans with normal human problems. Also, the plot in traditional fiction may have a more predictable pattern based on common archetypes like the hero's journey. Realistic fiction's plot is more about the randomness and complexity of real life. The themes in traditional fiction are often timeless, like good vs evil. Realistic fiction themes are more related to current social and cultural issues.
One way is to look at the writing style. General fiction usually has a more straightforward style, while literary fiction may have more elaborate and complex language. Also, general fiction often follows common genre tropes, but literary fiction may break the rules.
Check the publication date. Contemporary fiction is more likely to be recently published and reflect the current times. But this isn't a foolproof method as some realistic fiction may also be new. Another way is to skim through the book. If you find a lot of references to things like smartphones, current political issues, or modern - day pop culture, it's probably contemporary fiction. Realistic fiction might have a more timeless feel to it even if it's set in a particular time period.
Look at the cover blurb. If it emphasizes the beauty of the writing, complex characters, and exploration of big ideas, it might be literary fiction. If it talks about a relatable story set in a real - world context, it could be realistic fiction.
One way to tell is by looking at the writing style. Realistic fiction usually has a more straightforward style, while literary fiction often has a more complex and nuanced style. Also, the focus of the story can be a clue. If it's mainly about real - life situations and characters, it's likely realistic fiction. If it seems more about exploring ideas and emotions through unique writing, it's probably literary fiction.
Look at the source. If it comes from someone's real - life experiences, it's likely a personal narrative. If it's made up but seems like it could happen in real life, it's realistic fiction.
Look at the writing style. If it's very descriptive and the language is rich and complex, it might be literary fiction. General fiction usually has a simpler style. Also, check the reviews. Literary fiction reviews often talk about themes and character development, while general fiction reviews may focus more on the plot.
In a memoir, the writing style is often more introspective. The author may use a lot of 'I' statements as they are sharing their own experiences. In realistic fiction, the author may use different points of view more often. For example, a memoir about a journey might be written as 'I saw this, I felt that', while a realistic fiction about a similar journey could switch between different characters' perspectives.
One way to distinguish is by the writing style. Literary fiction usually has a more elaborate and sophisticated style compared to general fiction. Also, literary fiction often delves deeper into themes like the human experience, morality, etc.