Do you think that Prose as a genre has more impact on any society rather than fiction i.e. novels, poetry, or drama?
Today, we are here to discuss the age-old conundrum of which is better? Prose or poetry?
Ever since the beginning of time, this question has occupied the minds of readers, writers, and critics all the same. So today we have decided to dissect this question to its fullest and see which one is actually better?
As per the common understanding, literature only consists of Fiction, Poetry, and Drama. Literature and particularly English Literature is generally divided into two broad categories of Fiction and Nonfiction. Readers often tend to privilege fiction over prose, and the genre of prose is often wrongfully dismissed and described as a lack of fiction (i.e. nonfiction). Therefore, it is often called off as ‘boring’, ‘dull’ and ‘uninteresting’.
In my opinion, prose has the potential of leaving a great mark on society. Ideas can transform the world and it is through writing (particularly through the genre of prose) that these ideas are conveyed to the masses. Due to the nature of prose’s narrative, ideas can be imparted with much more clarity and efficiency than they are imparted in fiction, poetry, or drama.
The prose is an appropriate way to express realistic and thoughtful opinions in a straightforward manner. In addition to the clarity of its narrative, the aphoristic style of this genre gives so much room to present serious and rational arguments in a witty manner.
Prose makes use of rhetoric, which appeals to the reader and convinces them to change, adjust or alter their ideas and opinions. It gives room for an effective and useful discourse over politics, current affairs, or any other topic of discussion.
The prose is dual in nature as it operates on personal and impersonal levels simultaneously. With its use of neutral and straightforward language, it functions as an impersonal commentator of ideas but at the same time, the wit of its aphoristic style hides more than it shows. Therefore, the readers are able to connect with it on an impersonal level as well.
However, if we build on Horace’s principle of literature’s purpose being ‘Dolce et Utile’ (sweet and useful), I believe that the genre of prose only fulfills the ‘useful’ part of this dichotomy. There is no denying that the genre of Prose has more usability and practical function in society. However, one must take into account that the fictitious stories function at a much deeper personal level in comparison with prose.
Due to their ambiguous narration and storytelling techniques, they have more room for interpretation and creativity. The reader is not a passive bystander of the narrative rather equally involved in imagining and interpreting the story and its characters. They appeal to the reader’s imaginative and aesthetic sensibility as well as its sentiments. The genre of fiction calls out to people’s hearts, and therefore, they connect with it on a much deeper level and it truly leaves a mark on a deeply personal individual level.
Whereas, the muscle of wit, argument, and clarity the genre of prose possesses has a deeper impact on society as a collective. In conclusion, we believe that fiction, poetry, and drama leave a bigger impact on individual levels and the genre of prose has a much larger impact on society as a collective whole. It is quite evident from the response as well.
That is it from our side, do you agree with us or not? Please let us know in the comments below.
