Próza

Próza, or prose, is a form of language that follows the natural rhythm of speech and is written in sentences and paragraphs rather than verse. It encompasses most everyday writing, including fiction and non-fiction, and aims to convey information, tell stories, or express ideas without relying on a metrical structure.

Characteristics: Prose is organized into sentences and paragraphs. It relies on syntax, diction, imagery, and narrative perspective rather than rhyme or meter. Style varies with author and genre, influencing pace, tone, and emphasis. Prose can be simple or ornate, narrative or expository, and may employ dialogue, description, and rhythm to shape meaning.

Forms and genres: Fictional prose includes novels, novellas, and short stories; non-fiction prose includes essays, memoirs, biographies, journalism, and scientific writing. A hybrid form is prose poetry, which uses prose blocks but preserves lyrical cadence and figurative language.

History and development: Prose emerged in ancient and classical literatures as a vehicle for history, philosophy, and storytelling. From the modern period onward, prose became the dominant medium for novels, essays, and many other genres, with innovations such as stream of consciousness and varied narrative voice shaping 19th- and 20th-century writing.

Significance and use: Prose remains the primary medium for most written communication in many languages, valued for its versatility, clarity, and adaptability to different subjects and audiences. It continues to evolve through stylistic experimentation, cross-genre blending, and the global exchange of literary traditions.