Prose: what is this genre of literature, types and features

Prose is the opposite of poetry. It lacks rhyme, division into segments. Prose is similar to spoken language. However, you can control its look and sound, make it varied and engaging. The rhythm of prose is shaped by the structure of sentences, their length. By changing it, you can speed up or slow down the pace. The abundance of short sentences makes the prose more abrupt. In harmonious works, they are alternated with sentences of different lengths. Consider the main types of prose.

Novel

Novels are large works. At the heart of the narrative is a complex plot. Events involving several characters are described. In parallel, there may be several storylines. Household life, relationships between people, nature are described in detail. The narrative is unhurried, measured, replete with details.

The story

This is a small work. The story describes a certain story. The storyline is often one, related to characters who are familiar with each other and are together or overlap.

Novella

Although a novella is also a short work, it is different from a short story. Features of novellas:

• The narrative is brief, with no additional needs.
• Often only one problem is raised.
• The plot is sharp, keeping the reader in suspense.
• Little attention is paid to the psychological aspects of the story. Facts are conveyed more.
• The denouement is often unexpected.

Essay

The essay is small in volume, made in free form. In the essay, the author expresses his opinion on some issue. It is a prose that combines the style of a scientific article, a literary essay and a philosophical treatise.

Epic

This is a voluminous work that covers some topic related to problems in society. An epic describes a series of events spanning a long period of time. Such works may describe the lives of several generations of characters.

Fairy tale

Prose, in which fantastic stories are told, is called a fairy tale. At the heart of a fascinating plot, vivid descriptions. Tales are characterized by uncertainty in time and place, a combination of unbelievable events, creatures. Ordinary things in life take on a different meaning there, modified in an unexpected way. Animals in the fairy tale behave like people, imaginary creatures act as heroes, people have fantastic abilities.

Parable

Morally edifying story with allegorical images and hidden meaning is called a parable. It may contain an example of relationships, actions. The parable reveals some moral values: loyalty, wisdom, conscience, honor, courage, etc.

Biography

Description of the history of the life and activities of a famous person: artist, traveler, writer, politician, doctor. The biography often describes childhood, youth, student years, a period of work and old age, if the person is elderly. Particular attention may be paid to significant periods of activity of the person. A biography may be written by an outsider. If the work is in the first person, then it is called an autobiography.