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Elements of Prose ( literature 002)
What is prose?
Prose is any written or spoken language in its ordinary form, without metrical structure. In literature, prose includes novels, short stories, and narratives. The major elements of prose are: Character, Language and Style, Theme, Setting, and Point of View. Prose is a direct opposite of poetry
Prose focuses on literal meaning — it communicates ideas in a straightforward, direct way.
Poetry focuses on literary meaning — it often uses figurative language, symbols, and implied meanings that go beyond the surface.
Example:
Prose: He died because he was sick.
Poetry: He walked the misty road where no man returns.
Elements of prose
1. Character and Characterization
Character refers to the people, animals, or figures in a story.
Types of Characters:
Flat Characters – have one or two traits, not well-developed.
Round Characters – complex and undergo development.
Static Characters – do not change.
Dynamic Characters – undergo significant change.
Foil Character: A foil is a character who contrasts sharply with another character (usually the protagonist) to highlight certain traits.
Stereotyped character or stock character is a character with simple, fixed traits that represent a common type or group.
E.g, in Othello by Shakespeare, Iago may be seen as a foil character to Othello, the main character.
Characterization: The method a writer uses to develop characters.
Direct characterization – the author directly describes the character.
Indirect characterization – revealed through actions, speech, thoughts, appearance, and interactions.
2. Language and Style
Language: Refers to the author’s choice of words, expressions, and tone used in telling the story.
Style: The unique way the writer uses language to express ideas and evoke emotions.
Suspense – builds tension and curiosity.
Flashback – a scene that interrupts the present to show past events.
Foreshadowing – hints or clues about what is to come.
Symbolism – using symbols to represent ideas (e.g., a broken chain for freedom).
3. Theme /Subject Matter
Subject Matter: The general topic or issue the story is about. It can be expressed in a word or phrase.
Examples: love, war, poverty, revenge, family.
Theme: The central message or idea the writer communicates about the subject matter. It is expressed in a full sentence or statement.
Key Distinction:
Subject Matter = Topic (word/phrase)
Theme = Message/idea (sentence)
4. Setting
Setting refers to the time and place where the story takes place. It includes:
Physical location (village, city, forest, etc.)
Time period (past, present, future)
Weather conditions
Social environment
Atmosphere/mood
5. Point of View
This is the narrative angle from which the story is told.
First Person Point of View: The narrator is a character in the story and uses "I" or "we".
Second person point of view, a narrative technique which is narrator use the second person pronounce 'you'
Third Person Omniscient: The narrator knows all characters’ thoughts and feelings.
Third Person Limited: The narrator focuses on the thoughts and experiences of one character.