Varieties of prose

 

What is prose ?

 Prose is one of the two major forms of literary expression, the other being poetry. If asked to distinguish between prose and poetry, one could say prose is like walking, that is to say, it is functional, while poetry is like dancing, which is decorative or ornamental. Prose is the medium that is regularly used in spoken language, letters, articles, newspapers and short stories. The word 'prose' is derived from the Latin 'prosa', meaning 'straightforward'. It is thus a direct and plain form of language that is used in everyday communication.

There are several artistic manifestations of prose too. Generally, a prose writer does not make use of rhyme and metre, which are the chief characteristics of poetry. This is not to say that prose cannot be artistic and pleasing. A skilful writer makes use of several devices like puns, paradox, alliteration and metaphors to adorn her/his work.

 
There is no prescribed style for writing prose. There are as many styles as there are writers, and these may range from the most simple to the very complex. Francis Bacon, one of the early exponents of this form in modern English, preferred to write in simple, short sentences. John Milton, on the other hand, wrote extremely long and complicated sentences that were Latinate in style. In the twentieth century, people preferred a fast-paced and lucid style which avoided the use of bombastic and high-sounding words.

 
Since the term 'prose' is used to cover a vast variety of writing, from the ordinary, personal letter to the highly artistic novel, it may be studied under different headings such as nonfiction,  fiction and literary criticism.

 

 

Varieties of prose.

Descriptive prose is a form of writing that realistically portrays scenes, settings, characters, objects, or experiences using sensory details and vivid language. Its primary purpose is to create a rich, immersive experience for the reader by appealing to the senses and stimulating the imagination. Descriptive prose aims to paint a picture with words, allowing readers to visualize and engage with the text on a sensory level.

 
Key elements and characteristics of descriptive prose:

Descriptive prose involves keen observation and attention to detail. Writers may provide intricate descriptions of elements such as landscapes, architecture, characters' appearances, or even mundane objects, enriching the narrative with texture and depth.

 

Examples of descriptive prose:

Description of the Great Hall in "Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone" by J.K. Rowling:

   "Harry entered a large, low-ceilinged room. A single candle burned in the middle of the bare table at the far end. The flames were nearly out, glowing faintly in the chilly draught that wafted through the dungeon."

   Rowling uses sensory details to create an eerie atmosphere in the Great Hall of Hogwarts, immersing readers in the magical world of Harry Potter.

 

Opening Paragraph of "A Tale of Two Cities" by Charles Dickens:
   "It was the best of times, it was the worst of times, it was the age of wisdom, it was the age of foolishness, it was the epoch of belief, it was the epoch of incredulity, it was the season of Light, it was the season of Darkness, it was the spring of hope, it was the winter of despair..."

 
 Dickens employs real imagery and metaphorical language to set the tone and contrast the social conditions of the two cities, London and Paris, in the opening of his novel.

Narrative prose is a form of writing that tells a story or recounts a series of events in a straightforward, sequential manner or sometimes nonlinear. It is the most common form of writing found in literature and includes genres such as novels, short stories, biographies, and historical accounts. Narrative prose aims to engage readers by presenting characters, settings, and events in a structured narrative format.

 
Narrative prose revolves around a central plot, which consists of a series of events that unfold over time. These events are interconnected and drive the story forward.

 
Characters are central to narrative prose and typically include protagonists (main characters), antagonists (characters in conflict with the protagonist), and supporting characters. Writers develop characters through their actions, dialogue, thoughts, and interactions with others.

 
The setting of a narrative prose piece refers to the time and place in which the story takes place. Descriptions of the setting help establish the story's atmosphere and context, providing readers with a sense of where and when the events are unfolding.

 
Narrative prose can be written from various points of view, including first person (where the narrator is a character in the story), third person limited (where the narrator focuses on the thoughts and experiences of one character), or third person omniscient (where the narrator has access to the thoughts and experiences of multiple characters).

 
Conflict is a key component of narrative prose and involves the struggle between opposing forces. This can take the form of internal conflict (character vs. self) or external conflict (character vs. character, character vs. nature, character vs. society). Conflict drives the plot forward and creates tension and suspense for the reader.

Opening Paragraph of "Moby-Dick" by Herman Melville:

 "Call me Ishmael. Some years ago—never mind how long precisely—having little or no money in my purse, and nothing particular to interest me on shore, I thought I would sail about a little and see the watery part of the world."

 
Opening Paragraph of "To Kill a Mockingbird" by Harper Lee:

"When he was nearly thirteen, my brother Jem got his arm badly broken at the elbow."

Opening Paragraph of "The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn" by Mark Twain: "You don't know about me without you have read a book by the name of The Adventures of Tom Sawyer; but that ain't no matter. That book was made by Mr. Mark Twain, and he told the truth, mainly."

Expository prose is a form of writing that aims to inform, explain, or describe a topic in a clear, concise, and logical manner. It presents factual information, analysis, or arguments in an organized structure, typically without incorporating fictional elements or narrative storytelling. Expository prose is commonly found in textbooks, academic articles, essays, reports, and journalistic writing.

Expository prose maintains an objective tone, presenting information in an impartial and unbiased manner. It focuses on presenting facts, evidence, and logical arguments rather than personal opinions or subjective interpretations.

Expository prose follows a structured format, typically beginning with an introduction that outlines the topic and provides context, followed by body paragraphs that present main points, evidence, and analysis, and ending with a conclusion that summarizes key findings or arguments.

Expository prose covers a wide range of topics, including scientific concepts, historical events, social issues, technological advancements, and more. It provides readers with factual information, explanations, definitions, and analysis to deepen their understanding of the subject matter.

Excerpt from a Scientific Article:

   "The process of photosynthesis involves the conversion of light energy into chemical energy by green plants, algae, and some bacteria. During photosynthesis, chlorophyll-containing cells in the plant's leaves capture sunlight and use it to synthesize organic molecules such as glucose from carbon dioxide and water. This process releases oxygen as a byproduct, which is essential for aerobic respiration in animals and other organisms."

Excerpt from a History Textbook

   "The Industrial Revolution, which began in Britain in the late 18th century, marked a period of significant economic and technological change. It was characterized by the transition from agrarian and handicraft-based economies to industrialized economies based on mechanized manufacturing and factory production. Key innovations such as the steam engine, textile machinery, and iron smelting processes revolutionized industry and transportation, leading to urbanization, population growth, and social upheaval."

 
Excerpt from a Newspaper Article:

    "The recent surge in global temperatures has been attributed to human-induced climate change, primarily driven by the burning of fossil fuels and deforestation. Scientists warn that rising temperatures are contributing to extreme weather events, melting polar ice caps, rising sea levels, and disruptions to ecosystems. Urgent action is needed to mitigate the impacts of climate change and transition to renewable energy sources to reduce greenhouse gas emissions."