Prose Definition: Example of A Poetry Verse

Fiction Notes – Prose
http://literarydevices.net/prose/
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.”
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.
1
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.
2
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.
3
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, encyclopaedias, broadcasting, philosophy, law, history, the sciences
and many other forms of communication.

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Fiction Notes – Prose

blend of the two formats that is called prose poetry.

Example of a Poetry Verse

“The woods are lovely, dark and deep.

without a formal metrical structure to bind it.

Some Common Types of Prose

fictional elements in certain cases. Examples are biographies and essays.

heightened imagery but are written in prose instead of verse.

Prose Examples in Popular Literature

Karenina – Leo Tolstoy

imaginations. They are examples of fictional prose.

mountain tops of our desires.” – Nelson Mandela

persuasive and suits the occasion to convey a specific message.

Prose written in plays aims to be dramatic and eventful.

Roof” – Tennessee Williams

same throughout the play according to the personality of the character.

magazines, literature, encyclopaedias, broadcasting, philosophy, law, history, the sciences

and many other forms of communication.

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