You’ve heard the term in school, prose, but what is it? The word itself can be confusing. On top of this, your secondary English teacher has told you that poetry doesn’t have to rhyme, going against everything you’ve been taught in primary school. So what is the difference between prose and poetry?
What is poetry?
Poetry is an art form that has been around for centuries. It is a way to express oneself through the use of words and can be written in many different styles. There are many different types of poetry, such as sonnets, haikus, and ballads. Poetry can be written about any topic, and it is often used to express emotions.
What is Prose?
Prose is a form of writing that is based on spoken language. It is characterized by its natural flow and rhythm, as well as its use of regular grammar and punctuation. Prose is often used for novels, short stories, and essays.
Poetry, on the other hand, is a form of writing that is based on musicality and rhythm. It is often characterized by its use of figurative language, such as metaphors and similes. Poetry is often used for poems and song lyrics.
About Poetry
Poetry is a form of writing that uses rhythm and rhyme to create a musical or chant-like effect. Prose, on the other hand, is a form of writing that is more straightforward and doesn’t rely on rhyme or meter. Poetry often uses figurative language to create images or expressive ideas, while prose is more literal. Prose is usually used for novels, essays, and nonfiction writing, while poetry is more often associated with literature, lyrics, and storytelling.
Features of Poetry
Poetry is a form of literature that uses aesthetic and often rhythmic qualities of language—such as phonaesthetics, sound symbolism, and metre—to evoke meanings in addition to, or in place of, the prosaic ostensible meaning. Poetry has a very long history, dating back to prehistorical times with the creation of hunting chants and burial hymns. Early poems in the West originated in oral traditions, and the genre of poetry often employs a distinctive form and features of language. The word poetry derives from a Greek word meaning “to make” or “create”.
More on Prose
Prose is a form of language that exhibits a natural flow of speech and a grammatical structure. Prose is typically written in complete sentences and follows conventional grammar. Think of a novel, a memoir or a biography – these are all forms of prose.
