Prose
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.
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.
Example
of a Poetry Verse
Read this from “Stopping by Woods
on a Snowy Evening” written by Robert
Frost.
“The woods are lovely, dark and
deep.
But I have promises to keep,
And miles to go before I sleep,
And miles to go before I sleep.”
But I have promises to keep,
And miles to go before I sleep,
And miles to go before I sleep.”
Prose
Form
“The woods look lovely against the setting
darkness and as I gaze into the mysterious depths of the forest, I feel like
lingering here longer. However, I have pending appointments to keep and
much distance to cover before I settle in for the night or else I will be late
for all of them.”
The above paragraph is conveying a
similar message but it is conveyed in ordinary language, without a formal
metrical structure to bind it.
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.
Prose
Examples in Popular Literature
Prose
in Novels
This is usually written in the form
of a narrative
and may be entirely a figment of the author’s imagination.
Example
#1
“It was a bright cold day in April,
and the clocks were striking thirteen.” 1984 – George Orwell
Example
#2
“Whether I shall turn out to be the
hero of my own life, or whether that station will be held by anybody else,
these pages must show.” David Copperfield – Charles Dickens
Example
#3
“Happy families are all alike; every
unhappy family is unhappy in its own way.” Anna Karenina – Leo
Tolstoy
These examples of prose have been
taken from novels where writers have employed their imaginations. They are
examples of fictional prose.
Prose
in Speeches
Prose used in speeches often
expresses thoughts and ideas of the speaker.
Example
#1
“You can see that there is no easy
walk to freedom anywhere, and many of us will have to pass through the valley
of the shadow (of death) again and again before we reach the mountain tops of
our desires.” – Nelson Mandela
Example
#2
“The poor are very great people.
They can teach us so many beautiful things.” – Mother Teresa
Example
#3
“As for the marriage laws, they are
due for a sweeping reform, and an excellent beginning would be to wipe the
existing ones off the books.” – Shirley Chisholm
These prose examples have been taken
from speeches where prose is often crispy and persuasive and suits the occasion
to convey a specific message.
Prose
in Plays
Prose written in plays aims to be
dramatic and eventful.
Example
#1
“You can be young without money, but
you can’t be old without it.” – “Cat on a Hot Tin Roof” – Tennessee Williams
Example
#2
“All the world’s a stage, And all
the men and women merely players. ” – “As
You Like It” – Shakespeare
It is often in conversational mode
and is delivered by a character. However, its style
stays the same throughout the play according to the personality of the
character.
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.
