What term describes a type of literary text that includes various subcategories?

The term "genre" refers to a category of artistic composition characterized by similarities in form, style, or subject matter. In literature, genres encompass various forms of writing, and within each genre, there can be multiple subcategories. For example, the genre of fiction includes subgenres like fantasy, science fiction, and historical fiction, while the genre of poetry may include sonnets, haikus, and free verse. This structure allows readers and writers to categorize and analyze different works based on their thematic and stylistic traits, providing a better understanding of literary texts.

The other terms mentioned, such as drama, prose, and essay, refer to specific types of written works rather than overarching categories that include subcategories. Drama pertains specifically to plays, prose is a form of written language in its ordinary form without metrical structure, and an essay is a short piece of writing on a particular subject. While these are important elements of literature, they do not describe the broader concept that includes multiple subcategories, which is why "genre" is the most accurate choice.