The two major classifications of literature are poetry and prose. The major difference between the two is that poetry does not always apply the correct grammar or structure, whilst prose does.
Prose is the most used classification of literature as it is used in everyday conversation, and is written in most aspects of communication. Prose is used in films, newspapers, fictional books, magazines, essays and encyclopedias. The structure of prose is such that the words flow, more in reality than poetry, into each other, and although prose is not always pleasant to look at, it is simpler to read, as the sentences, grammar, and punctuation make it easier to comprehend.
Poetry is a classification of literature that is written in a certain way to be more pleasing to the eye. A lot of poetry will rhyme, which makes it easy to read, but at times the meaning of the poetry is overshadowed by the aesthetic appearance of the structure. Poetry is classed as a more emotive form of writing than prose, and it is also more open to interpretation, as many poems can have multiple meanings. Poetry is thought to be one of the oldest art forms with the Indian Vedas one of the first people to compose in poetic from, as early as 1600 BC.
Poetry is less structured in the current era, and can take the form of free verse. Free verse ignores the traditional elements of poetry such as the patterns that rhyme, and some people have criticized it. Robert Frost, the American poet, who wrote about rural life, described free verse as "playing tennis without a net."
