PROSE

Prose is one of kind of literature. The term “prose” originates from the Latin prosa, meaning "in phrase" which was derived from prosa oratio, meaning "straight, direct, unadorned speech." This phrase was derived from prorsus, meaning "straightforward or direct" and can be further traced to pro versusm, meaning "turned forward."

 According to Wikipedia, Prose is a form of language that possesses ordinary syntax and natural speech rather than rhythmic structure; in which regard, along with its measurement in sentences rather than lines, it differs from poetry. (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Literature )

Another definition, It is also defined to be as the epic literature that is written in lines. It is basic literature that is seen and used daily. Prose includes books, such as novels, tales, and short stories. Like any other literary work, it has different characteristics, and rules and regulations that make up the prose.
About characteristics, there are characteristics of prose which divided by purpose :
1.     Narrative: writing which tells a story (can be fiction or non-fiction); usually told in chronological order; has characters; follows the basic plot-line - exposition, rising action, climax, falling action.
2.     Expository: gives basic information; used often in speeches and essays; does not tell a story or argue.
3.     Descriptive: describes something in detail, again without telling a story or arguing a point; used most often in combination with another mode of writing, but alone is often found in scientific or medical reports.
4.     Persuasive: argues a point (or two sides of a question); gives evidence in favor or against.

Actually there are many types of prose, it even include essays, letters, editorials, articles, and journals.

Some Common Types of Prose

1. Nonfictional Prose: A literary work that is mainly based on fact although it may contain fictional elements in certain cases. Examples are biographies and essays.
2. Fictional Prose: A literary work that is wholly or partly imagined or theoretical. Examples are novels.
3. Heroic Prose: A literary work that may be written down or recited and employs many of the formulaic expressions found in oral tradition. Examples are legends and tales.
4. Prose Poetry: A literary work which exhibits poetic quality using emotional effects and heightenedimagery but are written in prose instead of verse.

So I can conclude that Prosa is a writing which is written just with ordinary grammatical and natural speech. Although like that, it does not lose the literature values and still nice to read.

References :
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Literature
http://literarydevices.net/prose/
http://www.princeton.edu/~achaney/tmve/wiki100k/docs/Prose.html

INTRODUCTION TO LITERATURE

Generally, most people have their own ideas of what literature is.  Most attempted definitions are broad and vague, and they inevitably change over time.  In fact, the onlything that is certain about defining literature is that the definition will change.

I have some definitions of literature.

 1.   From wikipedia, "Literature, in its broadest sense, is any written work; etymologically the term derives from Latin literatura/litteratura "writing formed with letters" (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Literature )

2.  Hendry van Dyke, “Literature consists of those writing which in interpret the meanings of nature and life, in words of charm and power, touched with the personality of the author, in artistic forms of permanent interest” (https://www.scribd.com/doc/27042357/LITERATURE )

3.  Imam Ja’far al-Sadiq (Muslim Scholar and Philosopher), “Literature is the garment which one puts on what he says or writes so that it may appear more attractive.” (http://www.scribd.com/doc/27042357/LITERATURE )

4.  Roman Jakobson (Russian Formalist), “Literature is organized violence committed on ordinary speech” (http://www.scribd.com/doc/27042357/LITERATURE )

5.  Ezra Pound, “Great literature is simply language charged with meaning to the utmost possible degree.” (http://www.scribd.com/doc/27042357/LITERATURE)

6.  E.M. Forster, "What is wonderful about great literature is that it transforms the man who reads it towards the condition of the man who wrote." (http://classiclit.about.com/od/basicsliteratureintro/a/aa_literaturequ.htm )

7.  C.S. Lewis, "Literature adds to reality, it does not simply describe it. It enriches the necessary competencies that daily life requires and provides; and in this respect, it irrigates the deserts that our lives have already become." (http://classiclit.about.com/od/basicsliteratureintro/a/aa_literaturequ.htm )

8.  Salman Rushdie, "Literature is where I go to explore the highest and lowest places in human society and in the human spirit, where I hope to find not absolute truth but the truth of the tale, of the imagination and of the heart." (http://classiclit.about.com/od/basicsliteratureintro/a/aa_literaturequ.htm )

9.  Literature is referred to as the entirety of written expression, with the restriction that not every written document can be categorized as literature in the more exact sense of the word. (Mario Klarer. 2004. AN INTRODUCTION TO LITERARY STUDIES Second edition. London and New York [pdf])

10.  James H & Hoeper, Jeffrey D, " the creation of literature is a uniquely human activity, born of man's timeless desire to understand, express, and finally share experiences. (http://www.idwrite.com/2015/04/definition-of-literature-according-to.html )

From all statements above, I conclude that Literature is a writing which is written with human feeling, human minds,  maybe it is experience or just imajination and it is made with using beautiful words.

It is same like I like reading novel, especially romantic novel. When I read a novel, I can feel the story in it. I can imagine the moment or feel I am one of characters in that novel.  Novel is one of  literatures. The other, like poetry, drama, short story, etc. They are literature. I think, in our life, we can not avoid the literature because literature always with us.

References :

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Literature

https://www.scribd.com/doc/27042357/LITERATURE

http://classiclit.about.com/od/basicsliteratureintro/a/aa_literaturequ.htm

http://dlibrary.acu.edu.au/staffhome/siryan/Academy/Foundation/What_Is_Literature.htm

Mario Klarer. 2004. AN INTRODUCTION TO LITERARY STUDIES Second edition. London and New York [pdf]