Name : Shintia Dwi Putri

NIM : 1688203047

CLASS : 3C

What are similarities and differences between poetry and prose ?

The key difference between poetry and prose is their structured from of writing, wherein
poetry is considered to be structured and prose is more natural form of writing.
In linguistics, poetry and prose are two ways of classifying the different styles of writings.
Here, prose is language that aims at sharing information, while poetry aims at using the
language itself as music. Often, there are times that poetry and prose overlap each other, and
are considered similar to each other.

Poetry is a literary composition that aims to excite the reader through a series of words in
rhythm. Poetry is an art in itself. It is the imagination and expression of the authors though in
a sophisticated manner. It is either written or spoken orally in a structured way i.e. it is
metrical in nature. Also, ‘a poem’ or ‘poetry’ displays a sense of pattern that connects the
words to each other through their similar sounds or their individual meanings. The words are
not mere ornaments, but help in conveying the meaning of the composition. And, the
representation of poetry in lines helps to easily distinguish the entire poem.

Prose, on the other hand, is quite ordinary. It is considered the most typical form of language,
and does not necessarily require a formal pattern or verse. There is no form of rhythm,
balance or repetition in a prose, but it is guided by a sustained formal arrangement. A prose is
a large unit of sentences, and is represented in lines without breaks. Thus, prose writing is
popularly used in newspapers, articles, magazines, etc.

Prose is similar to poetry but there is no structured and metered quality in the former. Also,
prose is often considered as dull, simple and common, as compared to the expressive and
beautiful poetry. It is straight-forward and disorganized as compared to a rhythmic poetry.
Though, there are slight rhymes in a prose, they are extremely un-noticeable. Further
differences between the two literary terms can be read in the table below.

Comparison between Poetry and Prose:

Poetry Prose

It is defined as the
It is defined as the form of art in which language is most general form of
Definition used for its evocative and aesthetic qualities in written language that
addition to its apparent meaning. is not used for formal
patterns of a verse.

It originates from the Latin word ‘poeta’ that means The word ‘prose’
Origin
‘poet’. comes the Latin term
which mean ‘straight
 forward’.

It has the primary

Primary goal It has the primary goal of selling the language itself goal of sharing
as music. information.

It is words in their
It is It is best words in the best order.
best order.

Sentences are
Lines and sentences Lines are considered to be basic units of poetry. considered to be
basic units of prose.

 It is the typical
form of writing.
 It has no
structure, format
 It is a lyrical form of writing.
and rhyming in
 It has structure, format and rhyming in the
the sentences.
sentences.
Characteristics  It is not usually
 It is usually divided into lines or phrases.
divided into
 It is more expressive and attractive.
sentences.
 It serves to excite the readers.
 It is dull.
 It is imaginative.
 It is simple and
common.
 It is quite
ordinary.

It is used in different
Used It is used in writing songs and poems. articles, stories and
letters, etc.