Maybe when the writer uses italics in their righting, or if a character is saying something, they show the tone. If context could help, pay attention to that :)
Prose Definition: Prose is a form of language that has no formal metrical structure. It applies a natural flow of speech, and ordinary grammatical structure rather than rhythmic structure, such as in the case of traditional poetry.
Hope this helps. ;)
B. It is significant because a prominent leader was suggesting that the unequal treatment of African Americans was in direct opposition to the principles of the Declaration of Independence