Structure and Form:
* Prose:
* Follows the natural flow of speech.
* Typically written in sentences and paragraphs.
* Does not adhere to a strict rhyme or meter.
* Can be structured in various ways, like novels, essays, articles, etc.
* Poetry:
* Uses a structured form with specific rules and conventions.
* May employ rhyme, meter, stanzaic patterns, and other devices.
* Often has a distinct rhythm and sound.
* Can be divided into different types based on structure, like sonnets, haikus, free verse, etc.
Language and Style:
* Prose:
* Emphasizes clarity, directness, and objectivity.
* Uses everyday language and common sentence structures.
* Can be formal or informal, depending on the purpose.
* Poetry:
* Focuses on imagery, symbolism, and emotional impact.
* May use figurative language, such as metaphors, similes, and personification.
* Often employs a more heightened and expressive style.
Purpose and Function:
* Prose:
* Aims to inform, entertain, persuade, or explain.
* Covers a wide range of topics and genres.
* Poetry:
* Typically explores emotions, ideas, and experiences.
* Often seeks to evoke a specific feeling or provoke thought.
Example:
Prose:
"The cat sat on the mat, watching the birds outside the window. It yawned, stretched its claws, and then curled up to sleep."
Poetry:
"The cat, a shadow on the mat,
Watches the birds, a feathered chat.
With yawn and stretch, a feline sigh,
It curls to sleep, beneath the sky."
In summary:
Prose is the ordinary language of writing, while poetry is a more crafted and expressive form that utilizes specific techniques to create a unique impact.