Prose: A Literary Genre

Etymology of Prose

The word “prose” derives from the Latin term “prosa oratio,” which means “straightforward speech” or “direct discourse.”

It originated in the late Middle English period around the 14th century. It was intended to describe things or places in written or spoken language, lacking the metrical and rhythmic structure found in poetry. Characterized by its natural flow and organization, it becomes suitable for narrative, essays, and everyday communication.

Meanings of Prose

• Definition: It is a form of written or spoken language not structured into regular meter or rhyme.
• Characteristics:
  • Natural Flow: It has a natural flow of language, lacking the formal structure found in poetry.
  • Everyday Speech: It relies on the use of everyday speech and conversational tone.
• Literary Genres: It includes a wide range of literary genres, including novels, short stories, essays, and journalism.
• Versatility: It is the most common form of written language and is used in various contexts, including fiction, nonfiction, and academic writing.
• Contrast with Poetry: Contrasted with poetry, it lacks the use of meter, rhyme, and formal elements.
• Emphasis: While poetry often emphasizes sound and rhythm, prose prioritizes meaning and clarity.

Prose in Grammar

Grammatically, “prose” is a singular noun, and it takes a singular verb. However, when referring to multiple pieces, the plural form is not commonly used. Instead, the plural is indicated by using a plural verb, as in “The essays are written in prose.”

Definition of Prose

As a literary genre, it refers to the use of ordinary language and sentence structure in written or spoken form, without the incorporation of metrical or rhythmic patterns typically found in poetry. It serves as a means to convey information, ideas, and stories in a straightforward and clear way, emphasizing clarity and natural expression.

Types of Prose

Here are some common types as follows.

Type	Explanation	Example
Fictional	It is found in novels, novellas, short stories, etc. It tells stories with characters, settings, and plots.	Example: To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee
Non-Fiction	It is found in biographies, essays, etc. Explores topics, often with research and analysis.	Example: The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks by Rebecca Skloot
Poetic or Poetry	It is used in poetry to convey ideas without rhyme or meter. May have line breaks and poetic language but lacks formal structure.	Example: Prose poems by Charles Baudelaire
Technical	It is used in technical writing (manuals, reports) with a focus on clarity and precision.	Example: User manual for a smartphone
Academic Prose	It is used in academic writing (research papers, dissertations) with research and analysis, written formally and objectively.	Example: A scholarly article in a scientific journal
Journalistic	It is used in journalism (news articles, features) focusing on clarity and engagement, often informing readers.	Example: A news article reporting on a current event such as by Robert Fisk
Creative Writing	It is used in creative writing (personal essays, memoirs) with elements of fiction or poetry but lacking their formal structure.	Example: On Writing by Stephen King
Epistolary Prose	It is used in letters and written correspondence, often with a conversational tone and personal anecdotes.	Example: Letters exchanged between Frida Kahlo and Diego Rivera
Autobiographical Prose	It is found in autobiographies and memoirs, focusing on the author’s own life experiences.	Example: The Diary of a Young Girl by Anne Frank
Screenplay	It is used in screenplays for film and TV, including dialogue, stage directions, and scene descriptions.	Example: A screenplay for a popular movie

Literary Examples of Prose

However, it must be kept in mind that the literary type of prose is different. It is mostly in narrative or descriptive shape, emphasizing the type of writing it is used in. Here are some examples of narrative form.

Work	Type of Prose	Explanation
To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee	Literary Prose	To Kill a Mockingbird is a literary example, with the story being told in prose through the eyes of the protagonist, Scout Finch. It focuses on issues of racial injustice and social inequality in the American South during the 1930s.
The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald	Literary Prose	The Great Gatsby explores the decadence and excess of the Jazz Age in America, characterized by Fitzgerald’s lyrical and evocative style. His language brings to life the glamour and disillusionment of the era, making it another example of in literature.
The Catcher in the Rye by J.D. Salinger	Literary Prose	This classic novel shows a distinctive style that reflects the voice and perspective of its teenage narrator, Holden Caulfield. Salinger’s prose is marked by its colloquial and informal tone, capturing the slang and idiom of the youth culture of the 1950s.
Beloved by Toni Morrison	Literary Prose	Beloved uses prose to explore the trauma of slavery and its aftermath in the lives of African Americans. Morrison’s style is characterized by its lyricism and poetic quality, giving voice to the experiences of the characters in a powerful and evocative way, making it a significant example of literary prose.
The Road by Cormac McCarthy	Minimalist Prose	The Road is a post-apocalyptic novel written in a spare and minimalist style, reflecting the stark and desolate landscape of the story. McCarthy’s style features short, declarative sentences and an absence of punctuation, creating a sense of urgency and immediacy in the narrative, demonstrating the use of minimalist prose.

In each of these examples, the prose style of the author is an essential part of the literary experience. The language used by the author serves to convey the themes and ideas of the work in a way that is both evocative and engaging for the reader.

Suggested Readings

1. Strunk, William, and E.B. White. The Elements of Style. Fourth Edition, Longman, 1999.
2. Zinsser, William. On Writing Well: The Classic Guide to Writing Nonfiction. HarperCollins, 2006.
3. Tufte, Virginia A. Artful Sentences: Syntax as Style. Graphics Press, 2006.
4. Williams, Joseph M. Style: Lessons in Clarity and Grace. Twelfth Edition, Pearson, 2017.
5. Pinker, Steven. The Sense of Style: The Thinking Person’s Guide to Writing in the 21st Century. Viking, 2014.
6. King, Stephen. On Writing: A Memoir of the Craft. Pocket Books, 2000.
7. Gardner, John. The Art of Fiction: Notes on Craft for Young Writers. Vintage, 1991.
8. Brooks, Cleanth, and Robert Penn Warren. Understanding Fiction. Third Edition, Prentice Hall, 1959.
9. Lamott, Anne. Bird by Bird: Some Instructions on Writing and Life. Anchor Books, 1995.