Difference between Prose and poetry

 

Literature may be defined as the best thoughts of an author, presented in the best manner. From this description of literature, one can easily understand that it is made up of two forms  such as prose and poetry. The dominant genres of literature are poetry, drama, fiction and nonfiction. It is clear that the forms in which literature finds its expression are as important as the content that they convey. It is therefore essential for a student of literature to have a thorough knowledge of the various forms of literature in order to enhance his/her appreciation of the subject.

Poetry is one of the earliest literary forms to have evolved. It has its origins in prehistoric times, when people made use of poetic language, singing to the accompaniment of musical instruments. Thus, poetry existed in the oral form long before the invention of writing.

British author William Henry Hudson said that poetry is 'an interpretation of life through imagination and feeling'. Thomas Carlyle believed that poetry was 'musical thought', while Edgar Allan Poe called it 'the rhythmic creation of beauty'. The ultimate aim of poetry is to give pleasure, by providing life philosophy and wisdom.

 
Poetry is distinct from prose in that it is literature in metrical form. The presence of metre, rhythm and rhyme distinguishes poetry from prose. Still, rhyme and metre are not mandatory for good piece of poetry, it's all about passion and feeling as Wordsworth puts in the preface to lyrical ballad.

Prose is written in sentences and paragraphs, following conventional grammar and syntax. It typically lacks a formal structure and can vary in length from short sentences to lengthy paragraphs or chapters. Prose uses everyday language and focuses on clear communication of ideas and narratives. It tends to prioritize clarity and directness over stylistic elements.

 
Prose is commonly used for storytelling, exposition, argumentation, and other forms of communication that aim to inform, entertain, or persuade. The tone of prose can vary widely depending on the author's intent and the genre.

E.g.
Studies serve for delight, for ornament, and for ability. Their chief use for delight, is in privateness and retiring; for ornament, is in discourse; and for ability, is in the judgement and disposition of business. - Of Studies – Francis Bacon

CHILDREN love to listen to stories about their elders, when they were children; to stretch
their imagination to the conception of a traditionary great-uncle or grandame, whom they never saw. It was in this spirit that my little ones crept about me the other evening to hear  about their great-grandmother Field, who lived in a great house in Norfolk (a hundred times  bigger than that in which they and papa lived) which had been the scene.

 Dream-Children A Reverie - By Charles Lamb