Skip to main content

Prose and Narrative

Subject: English Literature
Topic: 2
Cambridge Code: 0486 / 0475

Understanding Prose​

Prose - Writing in ordinary language (not poetry)

Characteristics​

  • Written in sentences and paragraphs
  • Natural syntax
  • Divided into chapters/sections
  • Focus on plot, character, setting
  • More realistic structure than poetry

Types of Prose​

Fiction:

  • Novels (long narratives)
  • Novellas (medium length)
  • Short stories (brief narratives)

Non-fiction:

  • Essays, memoirs, journalism
  • Based on facts, personal experience

Narrative Elements​

Plot​

Plot - Sequence of events in narrative

Structure (Freytag's Pyramid):

  1. Exposition: Background information
  2. Rising action: Events build tension
  3. Climax: Turning point, highest tension
  4. Falling action: Events resolve
  5. Resolution: Conclusion

Setting​

Setting - Where and when story occurs

Functions:

  • Provides context
  • Creates atmosphere
  • Influences character behavior
  • May be symbolic

Types:

  • Realistic (authentic places)
  • Symbolic (places represent ideas)
  • Fantastic (imaginary worlds)

Character​

Character - Person in story

Types:

  • Protagonist: Main character
  • Antagonist: Opposing force/character
  • Round character: Complex, develops
  • Flat character: Simple, one-dimensional
  • Dynamic: Changes through story
  • Static: Remains unchanged

Point of View​

First person:

  • Narrator is "I" character
  • Limited perspective
  • Intimate, subjective

Second person:

  • Narrator addresses "you"
  • Rare in literature
  • Creates direct address

Third person limited:

  • Narrator outside story
  • Focuses on one character's perspective
  • Objective with limitations

Third person omniscient:

  • All-knowing narrator
  • Knows all characters' thoughts
  • Can shift perspective

Narrative Techniques​

Flashback​

Flashback - Jumping to earlier events

Purpose:

  • Reveal character background
  • Provide context
  • Create mystery/suspense

Foreshadowing​

Foreshadowing - Hints of future events

Effect:

  • Creates anticipation
  • Readers notice on re-reading
  • Builds tension

Stream of Consciousness​

Stream of consciousness - Character's thoughts flowing

Characteristics:

  • Internal monologue
  • Non-linear thoughts
  • Fragmented structure
  • Realistic mental process

Example: Joyce's "Ulysses"

Dialogue​

Dialogue - Character speech

Functions:

  • Reveals character personality
  • Advances plot
  • Creates tension
  • Varies pacing

Narrator Reliability​

Reliable narrator:

  • Truthful, accurate account
  • Reader can trust

Unreliable narrator:

  • Biased, mistaken, or deceptive
  • Reader must question account
  • Creates dramatic irony

Prose Style​

Tone and Voice​

Tone: Author's attitude toward subject

  • Formal, informal, ironic, sincere

Voice: Author's distinctive style

  • Word choice, sentence structure
  • Recognizable across works

Syntax and Sentence Structure​

Sentence length:

  • Short sentences: Dramatic, punchy
  • Long sentences: Complex, flowing

Parallelism:

  • Similar structures repeated
  • Creates rhythm and emphasis

Inversion:

  • Unusual word order
  • Emphasizes certain words

Word Choice (Diction)​

Formal diction:

  • Complex vocabulary
  • Sophisticated, elevated

Informal diction:

  • Conversational language
  • Accessible, relatable

Concrete vs abstract:

  • Concrete: Specific, tangible
  • Abstract: Ideas, concepts

Literary Devices in Prose​

Metaphor and Simile​

Simile: "She was like a bird in flight" Metaphor: "She was a bird in flight"

Imagery​

Sensory language:

  • Visual, auditory, tactile, olfactory, gustatory
  • Creates vivid scenes
  • Emotional impact

Symbolism​

Objects, places, characters representing ideas:

  • Light = hope, knowledge
  • Darkness = evil, ignorance
  • Journey = life's path

Irony​

Verbal irony:

  • Words mean opposite of literal meaning
  • Sarcasm

Situational irony:

  • Expected outcome contradicted
  • Unexpected event occurs

Dramatic irony:

  • Reader knows more than character
  • Character unaware of truth
  • Tension from knowledge gap

Character Development​

Direct Characterization​

Author states character traits:

  • "She was ambitious and clever"
  • Direct description
  • Explicit information

Indirect Characterization​

Reader infers from:

  • Actions and choices
  • Speech patterns
  • Thoughts and feelings
  • Physical appearance
  • Others' reactions

More effective - Allows reader interpretation

Character Arc​

Character's change through story:

  1. Beginning state
  2. Inciting incident (forces change)
  3. Conflict and struggle
  4. Climactic moment
  5. Changed character

Examples:

  • Redemption arc: Bad → Good
  • Corruption arc: Good → Bad
  • Growth arc: Weak → Strong

Themes and Meaning​

Theme - Central idea or message

Common Themes​

  • Love and relationships
  • Good vs evil
  • Power and corruption
  • Growth and maturity
  • Isolation and belonging
  • Death and mortality
  • Justice and fairness

Identifying Themes​

  1. What recurring ideas appear?
  2. What does protagonist learn?
  3. What questions does text raise?
  4. What does title suggest?
  5. What conflicts resolve?

Different Prose Forms​

Novels​

  • Long, complex narratives
  • Multiple characters and plotlines
  • Detailed setting development
  • Extended themes

Novellas​

  • Medium length (50-150 pages)
  • One main plot
  • Limited character cast
  • Focused theme

Short Stories​

  • Brief (2,000-10,000 words)
  • Single incident often
  • Few characters
  • Quick impact

Flash Fiction​

  • Very short (under 1,500 words)
  • Minimal plot
  • Surprise ending often
  • High impact language

Analyzing Prose​

Reading Strategies​

  1. Identify narrative structure
  2. Note point of view and reliability
  3. Track character development
  4. Identify themes and symbols
  5. Analyze prose style and tone
  6. Examine use of devices
  7. Consider author's purpose

Key Questions​

  • Who is telling story? How reliable?
  • What is the plot structure?
  • How do characters develop?
  • What are major themes?
  • How does style enhance meaning?
  • What is author's purpose?
  • What does it reveal about human nature?

Key Points​

  1. Prose uses ordinary language structure
  2. Plot follows rising action to climax to resolution
  3. Setting provides context and atmosphere
  4. Characters can be round, flat, dynamic, static
  5. POV affects reader's understanding
  6. Narrative techniques: Flashback, foreshadowing
  7. Style includes tone, voice, word choice
  8. Devices: Metaphor, imagery, symbolism, irony
  9. Themes emerge through character and plot
  10. Multiple readings reveal deeper meanings

Practice Questions​

  1. Analyze narrative structure
  2. Identify point of view effects
  3. Trace character development
  4. Identify themes
  5. Analyze prose style
  6. Interpret symbolism
  7. Discuss narrator reliability
  8. Compare narrative techniques

Revision Tips​

  • Read prose carefully and repeatedly
  • Track character changes
  • Note recurring images/symbols
  • Identify major themes
  • Analyze sentence structure
  • Consider historical context
  • Study author's other works
  • Practice critical analysis