Personal Prose:
- Definition: Personal prose is a style of writing where the author directly shares their own thoughts, feelings, and experiences. It is often conversational and subjective, meaning the writer gives their personal opinions.
- Tone: Warm, friendly, and engaging. It makes the reader feel like the author is talking directly to them.
- Example (Charles Lamb’s “Dream Children”):
- In “Dream Children,” Charles Lamb writes in a personal and emotional way. He shares his memories, feelings of regret, and longing for the past.
- Lamb talks about his own life, such as his brother and the woman he loved, which makes it deeply personal.
- The essay feels like Lamb is telling a story about his life to the reader in an intimate way.
Impersonal Prose:
- Definition: Impersonal prose is objective and factual. The writer focuses on presenting ideas or information without involving their own feelings or opinions.
- Tone: Formal, distant, and structured. It focuses more on the subject matter rather than the writer’s personal feelings.
- Example (Francis Bacon’s “Of Studies”):
- In “Of Studies,” Bacon presents a logical argument about the importance of reading and studying.
- He doesn’t talk about his personal experiences or emotions but instead focuses on giving advice about the benefits of studying.
- Bacon uses general statements like “Studies serve for delight, for ornament, and for ability,” which are universal and not about himself.
Key Differences:
- Personal prose: The writer shares their emotions, memories, and thoughts (like Charles Lamb in “Dream Children”).
- Impersonal prose: The writer stays objective, sharing facts or advice without revealing personal emotions (like Francis Bacon in “Of Studies”).
Literary Latitude 