However, if we're looking at traditional, Western literature, we could argue that prose became firmly established as the dominant mode of writing from the Renaissance onwards.
Here's why:
* Rise of Humanism: The Renaissance saw a renewed interest in classical Greek and Roman literature, which was largely written in prose.
* Development of the Novel: The novel emerged as a popular genre during this period, relying primarily on prose.
* Shift in Focus: The focus shifted from religious themes to human experience and exploration of the world, which prose was better suited for.
However, it's important to remember that poetry remains a vital and flourishing form of literature. While not as dominant as prose, it continues to hold significant cultural and artistic importance.
Additionally, other modes like drama, essay writing, and non-fiction writing are also widely recognized as forms of literature.
Therefore, while prose became the dominant mode for much of Western literature, it's crucial to understand that the literary landscape is far more diverse and nuanced than this simple explanation suggests.