Prologue meaning in the cambridge english dictionary. A prologue is a speech or section of text that introduces a play or book. Prologue is the section of a novel that comes before the true beginning of the story. Prologue definition of prologue by the free dictionary.
A foreword is written by someone who is not the author of the book usually a public figure or authority on the subject matter at hand. American heritage dictionary of the english language, fifth edition. Rowling showed her central characters when they were much older after the series main conflict resolves. Rowling controversially used this device to end her harry potter series. Nabal refused to help david, for which god smote him dead. A preface or proem is an introduction to a book or other literary work written by the works author. The importance, therefore, of the prologue in greek drama was very great. Prologue definition and meaning collins english dictionary. Riots caused by dissatisfaction with the government may be a prologue to a revolution. A good prologue will feel essential to the novel and not just a bonus chapter or a stalling tactic on the part of the writer. Middle english prolog, from old french prologue, from latin prologus, from greek prologos. An epilogue, like a prologue, is a section of a book that stands outside the narrative. See the full definition for prologue in the english language learners dictionary. Prologue definition in the cambridge english dictionary.
This article will explain the prologue and help you determine whether you should use one. Prologue definition is the preface or introduction to a literary work. The foreword explains some significant connection between its writer and the book or the book s author. Many authors of nonfiction books get trumped up starting their book because they cant decide which they needa foreword, a preface. Prologue comes from the greek term prologos, which means before word, is an opening of a story that establishes the setting, and gives background details. A prologue prepares the reader for the story theyre about to read with information that is necessary to have before the start of the novel itself. If you cant clearly define the purpose for this information being specifically in a. How do you cite a quote from a prologue of a book answers. Well get to examples of these uses as well as tips for writing a great prologue. The reason that you would include a story in the prologue instead of in the book is because the story doesnt align with the timeframe that the rest of the book is in. A prologue is used when material that you want to include in the opening is out of time sequence with the rest of the story. He may have carried a book, scroll, or a placard displaying the title of the play. An introduction or introductory chapter, as to a novel.
An introductory essay written by a different person is a foreword. Prologue examples and definition of prologue literary devices. A prologue or prolog is an opening to a story that establishes the context and gives background. The ancient greek prologos included the modern meaning of prologue, but was of wider significance, more like the meaning of preface. Lets define prologue before looking at the pros and cons. An introduction before a book begins is an example of a prologue. The prologue appears at the very beginning of a novel as a section before the first chapter of the book.
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