Prose Literature Overview

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Questions and Answers

What distinguishes a short story from a novel?

A short story focuses on a single character interest. (correct)

A short story has a complex plot.

A short story is typically longer than a novel.

A short story always has multiple sub-plots.

Which of the following best defines a biography?

A fictional account of historical events.

A story of a certain person's life written by another. (correct)

A narrative that focuses on a single event in a person's life.

A story of an individual's life written by himself.

What is the primary purpose of a letter in prose?

To express the author's thoughts and experiences. (correct)

To narrate a fictional story.

To provide a factual account of events.

To critique another literary work.

Which of the following describes satirical prose?

It ridicules human vices and follies. Signup and view all the answers

What is an autobiography?

A biography of a writer's own life. Signup and view all the answers

What is the main characteristic of prose drama?

It consists of dialogues meant to be acted on stage. Signup and view all the answers

How does a diary differ from a journal?

A diary records personal experiences daily, while a journal is more reflective. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is true about current publications?

They are commonly known or accepted at the present time. Signup and view all the answers

What is literary criticism primarily concerned with?

Analysing and evaluating literary works. Signup and view all the answers

What does prose fiction primarily involve?

Imagined or invented narratives that are presented as true. Signup and view all the answers

What term describes a character that does not grow or develop throughout a story?

Flat Character Signup and view all the answers

Which character type is specifically known as the secondary character in importance?

Deuteragonist Signup and view all the answers

What type of conflict involves struggles within the protagonist's own mind?

Internal Conflict Signup and view all the answers

In literary analysis, the setting is defined as what?

The locale and period in which the story takes place Signup and view all the answers

Which character type serves as the hero or heroine in a story?

Protagonist Signup and view all the answers

What character type is often destroyed by their inner conflict?

Fringe Signup and view all the answers

What does interpersonal conflict specifically involve?

Conflict between the protagonist and another character Signup and view all the answers

The sequence of events following a main conflict in a story is known as what?

Plot Signup and view all the answers

What does the author provide that contributes to revealing a character?

Author's commentary Signup and view all the answers

A foil character is typically defined as what?

A character that emphasizes traits of another character Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Prose Forms

Prose Drama: Features dialogues written in prose intended for theatrical performance.
Essay: A short expository literary composition expressing the author's thoughts, feelings, or experiences. Example: “Where is the Patis?” by Carmen Guerrero Nakpil.
Prose Fiction: Invented narratives that may present imaginary events as true.
Novel: A lengthy fictitious narrative comprising a complex plot that includes main and sub-plots, reflecting real-life characters and actions. Example: “Without Seeing The Dawn” by Stevan Javellana.
Short Story: A brief fictional narrative focused on a single character or emotion within a unified time, place, and action. Example: “Dead Stars” by Paz Marquez-Benitez.

Biography and Autobiography

Biography: A detailed account of someone's life written by another author who knows them well. Example: “Cayetano Arellano” by Socorro O. Alberto.
Autobiography: A self-written account detailing the author's own life. Example: “A Woman with No Face” by Pilar Pilapil.

Other Prose Forms

Letter: A written message revealing the author's psychological insights. It holds significance through its style and content.
Diary: A daily record of the writer's personal experiences and thoughts.
Journal: A periodical publication focused on serious or academic subjects.

Types of Prose Based on Subject Matter

Historical Prose: Narratives concerning historical events.
Scientific Prose: Focused on scientific topics and discoveries.
Satirical Prose: Ridicules human follies and vices.
Current Publications: Books, magazines, or newspapers relevant to the present time.
Literary Criticism: Analysis and evaluation of literary works, not limited to finding faults.
Book Review: An article assessing the content and literary quality of a book, particularly recent publications.

Characters in Literature

Characterization: Revealed through actions, descriptions, dialogue, statements by others, and the author's commentary.
Flat Character: A one-dimensional character who lacks development and depth, often a stereotype.
Protagonist: The central hero or heroine of the story.
Antagonist: Opposes the protagonist, serving as a foil.
Deuteragonist: The second most important character.
Fringe Character: A minor figure often defeated by internal struggles.

Setting

Setting: The time and place where the story unfolds, also referred to as the background.

Conflict in Literature

Conflict: The central struggle driving the narrative, involving opposition between characters or forces.
Types of Conflict:
- Internal Conflict: The protagonist's inner struggle, involving conflicting emotions or decisions.
- Interpersonal Conflict: A direct confrontation between the protagonist and another character.
- External Conflict: The protagonist faces societal values or forces outside themselves.

Narrative Structure

The progression of events, including the beginning, middle, and ending, shaped by the main conflict driving the action.

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Description

Explore the various forms of prose literature, including prose drama, essays, and prose fiction. Understand how these different types engage audiences with dialogues, personal reflections, and intricate narratives. Delve into the characteristics of novels and their narrative complexity.