I know art if subjective, so no one can truly define what makes good prose "good". Bad prose seems easier to define: confusing, clunky, unrealistic in its choice of words or syntax, inaccurate in its use of analogy. And yet, often, books that are lauded for being masterpieces often have these traits as well: dense wording that comes off confusing, syntax that breaks convention, word usage that has you consulting the dictionary every other page.
At the end of the day, I wish I could appreciate prose more, because I see how deeply it can effect others, and I desire to feel that way myself; but realize I am more interested in concept and plot when reading a book, than I am in flowery prose. So what is it for you? Just the feeling the words give you, or is it more definable?
by LeviBateman
2 Comments
Mostly pace
by example I guess, hard to pin down for me.
Example of good prose : Wild Dark Shore
Example of bad prose: Man in the High Castle.
Mind you prose is only one aspect of a book, per my example I think Phillip K. Dick has atrocious prose yet his books are still classics that are worth picking up.