PROSE

What is prose?

Prose is a form of language that follows a natural flow of speech and common grammatical structure, distinct from poetry, which often uses reoccurring rhythm and rhyme.

What are the key characteristics of prose?

1. Uses ordinary grammatical structure and natural language.
2. Arranged into sentences and paragraphs.
3. Lacks formal metrical structure or a consistent rhyme scheme (unlike poetry).
4. Its rhythm is typically governed by the natural cadence of speech.

Name some common types of prose.

1. Fiction: Novels, short stories, novellas.
2. Non-fiction: Essays, biographies, articles, textbooks, memoirs.
3. Heroic prose: Often found in legends and myths, characterized by an elevated and poetic language but without a metrical structure.
4. Prose poetry: A hybrid form that employs poetic devices (imagery, metaphor) but is written in prose paragraphs.

How does prose differ from poetry?

Prose relies on natural language and complete sentences, lacking the strict metrical or rhyming patterns typical of poetry. Poetry often uses line breaks, stanzas, and specific rhythmic or sound devices to create its effect.