Prologue: A Literary Device

Prologue: Etymology, Literal and Conceptual Meanings

Prologue: Etymology/Term

The term “prologue” originates from the Greek word “prologos,” where “pro” means “before,” and “logos” signifies “word” or “speech.” In its etymological essence, a prologue is an introductory discourse or preface that precedes the main body of a literary work or performance. Its roots suggest a preliminary communication, laying the groundwork for what follows.

Literal Meaning:

• Introduction: A prologue functions as an opening section that introduces key elements of the narrative or themes in a concise manner.
• Setting the Stage: Often used in plays, a prologue establishes the context, time, and place of the story, providing essential background information.
• Character Introductions: It may present crucial characters or events to orient the audience, setting expectations for the unfolding plot.

Conceptual Meaning:

• Foreshadowing: Beyond its literal role, a prologue may foreshadow future events, creating anticipation and intrigue.
• Theme Exploration: It offers a conceptual preview, delving into overarching themes or motifs that will be explored more deeply in the main work.
• Engaging the Audience: A prologue can serve to captivate the audience, sparking interest and encouraging continued engagement with the narrative.

Prologue: Definition as a Literary Device

A prologue, as a literary device, is an introductory section preceding the main body of a work, providing essential context, background information, or a glimpse into the central themes. It serves to set the stage for the narrative, often presenting key details that establish the groundwork for the reader’s understanding. Through concise storytelling or informative prose, a prologue acts as a literary tool to engage readers and shape their expectations before delving into the core of the literary work.

Prologue: Main Elements and Examples

Main Elements	Examples
Introduction	Shakespeare’s “Romeo and Juliet” opens with a prologue delivering a brief overview of the play, setting the tragic tone.
Background Information	In “The Fellowship of the Ring” by J.R.R. Tolkien, the prologue provides historical context and the origin of the One Ring.
Foreshadowing	George R.R. Martin’s “A Game of Thrones” includes a prologue hinting at supernatural elements that will unfold in the story.
Setting the Tone	Chaucer’s “The Canterbury Tales” features a prologue where the narrator introduces the characters and sets a humorous tone.
Establishing Atmosphere	In Mary Shelley’s “Frankenstein,” the prologue sets a gloomy and mysterious atmosphere, preparing readers for the novel’s tone.
Character Introductions	“The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe” by C.S. Lewis begins with a prologue introducing the Pevensie siblings and Narnia.

This table outlines the main elements of a prologues and provides examples from various literary works to illustrate how these elements are employed to introduce, inform, and create anticipation for the main narrative.

Prologue: Popular Examples

1. “Romeo and Juliet” by William Shakespeare:
   • Example: “Two households, both alike in dignity, In fair Verona, where we lay our scene, From ancient grudge break to new mutiny…”
2. “The Fellowship of the Ring” by J.R.R. Tolkien:
   • Example: “When Mr. Bilbo Baggins of Bag End announced that he would shortly be celebrating his eleventy-first birthday with a party of special magnificence, there was much talk and excitement in Hobbiton.”
3. “A Game of Thrones” by George R.R. Martin:
   • Example: “We should start back,” Gared urged as the woods began to grow dark around them. “The wildlings are dead.”
4. “The Canterbury Tales” by Geoffrey Chaucer:
   • Example: “Whan that Aprille with his shoures soote The droghte of March hath perced to the roote…”
5. “Frankenstein” by Mary Shelley:
   • Example: “You will rejoice to hear that no disaster has accompanied the commencement of an enterprise which you have regarded with such evil forebodings.”

These examples showcase the diverse ways in which prologues are employed in literature, setting the tone, introducing key elements, and captivating readers from the very beginning of a work.

Prologue: Relevance in Literary Theories

Literary Theory	Relevance of Prologue
Structuralism	Prologues provide an opportunity to introduce key structural elements and set the narrative tone, aligning with structuralist principles of analyzing literary components and their interrelations.
Feminist Criticism	Prologues can be relevant in feminist criticism by establishing the author’s perspective on gender roles or introducing themes that align with feminist discourse, inviting critical examination from this lens.
Postcolonial Theory	In postcolonial literature, prologues often serve to contextualize the narrative within historical and cultural frameworks, aligning with the goals of postcolonial theory to analyze the impact of colonial histories.
Psychoanalytic Criticism	Prologues may offer insights into characters’ backgrounds and motivations, providing material for psychoanalytic interpretation of subconscious desires and the impact of personal histories on behavior.
Reader-Response Theory	Prologues engage readers from the outset, making them integral to reader-response theory. The way a prologue prompts reader expectations and involvement aligns with the theory’s focus on individual reader experiences.

This table illustrates the relevance of prologues in various literary theories, showcasing how they can be analyzed and interpreted through different critical lenses.

Prologue: Relevant Terms

Term	Description
Exposition	Prologue info setting up the main narrative.
Foreshadowing	Clues hinting at future events.
In medias res	Start narrative in the midst of action.
Dramatic Irony	Audience knows more than characters.
Inciting Incident	Event sparking main plot.
Backstory	Info on events preceding prologue.
Prelude	Intro setting tone/theme for main work.
Epigraph	Quotation at prologue start for insight.
Flashforward	It shows future main narrative events.
Intertextuality	It shows references to other texts or context.

Prologue: Suggested Readings

1. Austen, Jane. Pride and Prejudice. Penguin, 2003.
2. Bradbury, Ray. Fahrenheit 451. Simon & Schuster, 2012.
3. Dickens, Charles. A Tale of Two Cities. Oxford UP, 2008.
4. Fitzgerald, F. Scott. The Great Gatsby. Scribner, 2004.
5. Garcia Marquez, Gabriel. One Hundred Years of Solitude. Harper, 2006.
6. Rowling, J.K. Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone. Bloomsbury, 2014.
7. Lee, Harper. To Kill a Mockingbird. Harper Perennial Modern Classics, 2006.
8. Melville, Herman. Moby-Dick. Vintage, 2003.
9. Orwell, George. 1984. Signet Classic, 1961.
10. Tolstoy, Leo. Anna Karenina. Penguin, 2004.