27 Sep Types of Prose and their Meaning
What are really the types of prose in Literature? A student or someone in the street might ask you. Have you gotten the answer? If not, kindly read below.
There are basically two types of prose. Any other types that might have been given consideration are sub-types. These two major types or genres of prose are different from each other in terms of style but they may be similar in content.
Originally, prose is divided into fiction and non-fiction. We have other types of prose which include narrative prose, description prose, didactic prose, historical prose, etc.
Nonetheless, our concern is on fictional and non-fictional prose. Consider their differences below.
Types of Prose
There are two major types of prose namely: fiction and non-fiction. Fiction is the most popular because its sub-types are more often studied in schools than non-fiction.
Let’s examine them here:
Fictional Prose
Fiction in prose refers to a form of literary writing that tells a story created from the author’s imagination rather than presenting factual information. In other words, it is a type of narrative storytelling that is not based on real events, people, or places.
Instead, fiction in prose features invented characters, settings, and events, often with the goal of entertaining, inspiring emotions or exploring themes and ideas.
Prose is the most common form of writing in fiction, and it includes novels, short stories, novellas, and other narrative works that use ordinary language rather than poetry or verse. Fictional prose can encompass a wide range of genres and styles, from romance and science fiction to mystery, fantasy, and literary fiction.
The primary characteristic of fiction in prose is its imaginative and fictional nature, as opposed to non-fiction, which deals with factual accounts and information.
Fictional prose allows authors to create entire worlds, characters, and scenarios, offering readers an opportunity to escape into the author’s imaginary realm and engage with the story on a deeper level.
Sub-types of fictional prose are novels, short stories, novella, novelette, etc.
Non-fictional Prose
Non-fiction in prose refers to a form of written communication that presents factual information, real events, and actual people.
Unlike fiction, which is based on the author’s imagination, non-fiction prose aims to provide accurate accounts of the world, convey knowledge, inform, explain, or argue about real-life subjects.
Non-fiction prose is primarily divided into biography and autobiography.
In non-fiction prose, the primary goal is to inform, educate, or persuade the reader using factual and verifiable information.
While authors may inject their personal perspectives and interpretations, the foundation of non-fiction writing is rooted in reality and accuracy. Non-fiction prose is essential for conveying knowledge, documenting history, and addressing real-world issues.
Difference Between Fiction and Non-fiction
Fiction and non-fiction are distinct literary genres with fundamental differences in content, purpose, and style.
Fiction encompasses imaginative storytelling. It features fabricated characters, settings, and events created by the author’s creativity.
Fictional works transport readers to unreal worlds or offer different perspectives on reality. The primary objective of fiction is often entertainment and emotional engagement, though it can also explore complex themes, human experiences, and societal issues.
Non-fiction, conversely, is grounded in real-life facts, events, and information. It seeks to provide accurate, objective, and informative content.
Non-fiction works encompass a vast array of genres, from biographies, history, and science to self-help and journalism. The primary purpose of non-fiction is to educate, inform, persuade, or document, making it a valuable source of knowledge and insight.
The distinction between fiction and non-fiction is evident in their content style. Fiction embraces creative storytelling, allowing for artistic freedom and imagination. In contrast, non-fiction demands meticulous research, credibility, and adherence to factual accuracy.
While fiction invites readers to suspend disbelief and immerse themselves in invented worlds, non-fiction relies on real-world evidence and strives to present a truthful account of events, ideas, or experiences.
In summary, fiction thrives on imagination and emotion for entertainment, while non-fiction relies on facts and information to educate and inform. These fundamental disparities make them distinct and invaluable genres within the realm of literature.
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