INTRODUCTION TO PROSE

CONTENT

1. Definition of Prose
2. Forms/Types of Prose
3. Features of Prose

Definition of Prose

Prose as a major genre of literature is the art of storytelling either long or short in a narrative style. It can either be called fiction (based on imagination) or non-fiction (based on pure facts). It has a wide range of characters, events and experiences.

Prose gives the writer the freedom to make use of different grammatical structures. It is the most popular genre of literature.

Forms/Types of Prose

1. The novel
2. The novella short story
3. The apologue
4. The novelette
5. The biography
6. The autobiography
7. The autobiographical novel

The above are grouped into two according to the message of focus – fiction or non-fiction. The novel, the apologue, the novella and the novelette are fiction while the biography and autobiography are non-fictions.

1. Novel:

It is a long prose narrative in which imaginary characters and events are presented to reflect actual human experiences.