polyphonic prose

noun

1. prose characterized by the use of poetic devices, as alliteration, assonance, rhyme, etc., and especially by an emphasis on rhythm not strictly metered.

polyphonic prose

noun

1. a rhythmically free prose employing poetic devices, such as assonance and alliteration

Word History and Origins

Origin of polyphonic prose¹

First recorded in 1915–20

Example Sentences

From the French symbolist poet Paul Fort she learned a technique of writing "polyphonic prose" – prose which used the different voices of poetry, such as "metre, vers libre, assonance, alliteration, rhyme and return".

From The Guardian

Apart from the interesting experiments in free verse or polyphonic prose, the short story in America is at a low ebb.

From Project Gutenberg

A good many of the poems in this book are written in "polyphonic prose".

From Project Gutenberg

Her most ambitious attempt in polyphonic prose is Guns as Keys: and the Great Gate Swings, whereof the title is like a trumpet fanfare.

From Project Gutenberg

Compared with him Bach seems a maker of solid polyphonic prose, Beethoven a scooper of stars, a master of growling storms, Mozart a weaver of gay tapestries, Schumann a divine stammerer.

From Project Gutenberg