1. Novels:
* Romance: Think "The Love Letters of Abelard and Heloise" or "Bridget Jones's Diary."
* Gothic: Mary Shelley's "Frankenstein" uses letters effectively to create suspense and build atmosphere.
* Historical Fiction: Epistolary novels can be used to recreate historical periods and offer a personal perspective on events.
* Mystery: "The Hound of the Baskervilles" by Arthur Conan Doyle utilizes letters to introduce clues and move the plot forward.
2. Short Stories:
* Psychological: Epistolary format can explore a character's inner turmoil through their letters.
* Horror: The letters can reveal the protagonist's gradual descent into madness or the growing horror they experience.
3. Memoirs and Autobiographies:
* Personal Accounts: The letters can provide a more intimate and authentic voice than a traditional memoir.
4. Plays:
* Epistolary plays: While less common, some playwrights use letters to deliver dialogue and drive the plot.
5. Other Genres:
* Poetry: Some poets write epistolary poems, addressing a specific person or topic.
* Screenplays: Filmmakers have also experimented with epistolary storytelling, such as the film "The Reader."
It's important to note that epistolary writing is not limited to these genres. Any genre that seeks to create a sense of immediacy, intimacy, or authenticity can benefit from its use.