Definition
Prose is a
form of language that has no formal metrical structure. It applies a natural
flow of speech, and ordinary grammatical structure rather than rhythmic
structure, such as in the case of traditional poetry.
Prose
is the ordinary form of written or spoken language. It has no meter, pattern or
rhyme to it.
Normal every
day speech is spoken in prose and most people think and write in prose
form. Prose comprises of full grammatical sentences which consist of
paragraphs and forgoes aesthetic appeal in favor of clear, straightforward
language. It can be said to be the most reflective of conversational speech.
Some works of prose do have versification and a blend of the two formats that
is called prose poetry.
Some Common Types of Prose
1. Nonfictional Prose: A literary work that is mainly based on fact although it may contain fictional elements in certain cases. Examples are biographies and essays.2. Fictional Prose: A literary work that is wholly or partly imagined or theoretical. Examples are novels.
3. Heroic Prose: A literary work that may be written down or recited and employs many of the formulaic expressions found in oral tradition. Examples are legends and tales.
4. Prose Poetry: A literary work which exhibits poetic quality using emotional effects and heightened imagery but are written in prose instead of verse.
Additionally, prose can be narrative, expository,
descriptive or persuasive. Narrative writing has a
storyline and characters. It is often told chronologically. Expository
writing denotes writing to explain. This form of writing
explores particular topics and themes. Expository writing differs from
narrative writing because it does not necessarily tell a story. Descriptive
writing uses detail, such as the five senses, to discuss a
topic in depth. This form of writing is often used in conjunction with
narrative, expository, or persuasive writing. Persuasive writing attempts
to convince the audience of the merits or disadvantages of the topic.
The term “prose” originates from the Latin prosa,
meaning "in phrase" which was derived from prosa oratio, meaning
"straight, direct, unadorned speech." This phrase was derived from
prorsus, meaning "straightforward or direct" and can be further
traced to pro versusm, meaning "turned forward."
It is also known that artfully written prose seems
to have developed later than written verse (poetry). Inherent in prose is a
sense of style, or how speakers and writers communicate their
meanings. Prose style is specific to a particular work, author, or genre.
Characteristics of prose can
be broken into four categories, divided by purpose:
- Narrative: writing which tells a story (can be fiction or non-fiction); usually told in chronological order; has characters; follows the basic plot-line - exposition, rising action, climax, falling action.
- Expository: gives basic information; used often in speeches and essays; does not tell a story or argue.
- Descriptive: describes something in detail, again without telling a story or arguing a point; used most often in combination with another mode of writing, but alone is often found in scientific or medical reports.
- Persuasive: argues a point (or two sides of a question); gives evidence in favor or against.
To explain
prose as simply as possible, it covers anything written that is NOT poetry -
basically.
Examples of prose
·
A newspaper article.
·
A fictional novel.
·
A magazine interview.
·
A biography.
·
Articles, and journals
Functions of Prose
While there have been many critical debates over
the correct and valid construction of prose, the reason for its adoption can be
attributed to its loosely defined structure which most writers feel comfortable
using when expressing, or conveying their ideas and thoughts. It is the
standard style of writing used for most spoken dialogues, fictional as well as
topical and factual writing and discoursed. It is also the common language used
in newspapers, magazines, literature, encyclopedias, broadcasting, philosophy,
law, history, the sciences and many other forms of communication.
