Prologue

Introduction

A prologue is an opening section of a story or a play that sets the stage for the main narrative. It often provides background information, introduces a world, or gives a glimpse of events that are pivotal to the upcoming plot. Prologues can be written in the voice of a character, as a straightforward narrative, or even in a different time setting from the main story.

This literary device serves several purposes: it can provide essential context or backstory, create suspense or interest, introduce the tone or style, or present a critical event that impacts the main storyline. By offering insights that are crucial yet not fitting directly into the main plot, a prologue helps readers understand and engage more deeply with the story from the outset.

Pronunciation of Prologue:
/ˈproʊ.lɒɡ/

When Do Writers Use a Prologue?

Writers opt for a prologue when they need to set the stage for the reader with information that is important to the story but doesn’t fit naturally within the main chapters. Here are some specific scenarios where a prologue might be used:

1. Historical Context or Background: When the story is enriched by details of historical events or previous occurrences that influence the main plot.
2. Foreshadowing: To hint at important plot developments that will unfold and create anticipation.
3. Introducing a Key Theme or Mood: Setting the emotional tone or the theme before the first chapter begins.
4. Introducing a Different Point of View: Providing a perspective that is different from the one in the main story but is crucial for understanding the entire narrative.

Writers use prologues to make the narrative more engaging, understandable, or complex, thus drawing readers into the story right from the start.

Rules for Using a Prologue

Using a prologue effectively involves several key considerations to ensure it enhances your story rather than detracts from it. Here are some guidelines:

1. Make It Necessary: Ensure that the information in the prologue is crucial to the plot and not just additional background that could be woven into the story later.
2. Keep It Brief: A prologue should be concise and to the point. It’s a hook, not a full chapter.
3. Maintain Relevance: It should directly relate to the main plot or clarify elements that are integral to understanding the forthcoming narrative.
4. Craft a Strong Hook: The prologue should grab the reader’s attention and make them want to continue reading. Aim to evoke emotion or curiosity.
5. Use a Distinct Voice: If the prologue is from a different time or perspective, make this clear through the tone and style to differentiate it from the main narrative.

By adhering to these rules, a prologue can serve as a powerful tool to enhance the storytelling experience.

Types of Prologue

Prologues can vary greatly depending on their function and the author’s intent. Here are some common types of prologues found in literature:

1. Background Prologue: Provides historical context or details of events leading up to the main story. This type helps the reader understand the setting or circumstances that influence the narrative.
2. Future Speaker Prologue: Involves a character from the future of the story reflecting back, often giving a glimpse of what will happen without revealing too much. This type can create suspense and a sense of inevitability.
3. Different Point of View Prologue: Offers a perspective that is different from the protagonist’s. It might be from an antagonist or a secondary character who provides essential insight or sets up a contrasting viewpoint.
4. Action Prologue: Starts with a high-stakes scene, grabbing the reader’s attention with action or conflict that leads directly into the story’s main events.
5. Thematic Prologue: Sets the tone and theme of the story, sometimes through a philosophical or reflective entry that might not directly interact with the main plot but establishes the overarching mood.

Each type of prologue serves a unique purpose, enhancing the narrative by providing key information, setting the tone, or intriguing the reader with foreshadowing.

Prologue in Literature

Famous examples of prologues in literature demonstrate how this device can effectively set the stage for the unfolding story:

1. “Romeo and Juliet” by William Shakespeare: The prologue here is a famous sonnet that outlines the fate of the “star-cross’d lovers,” setting the stage for the tragic events of the play.
2. “The Canterbury Tales” by Geoffrey Chaucer: The General Prologue introduces the reader to each of the pilgrims who will tell their tales, providing insights into their personalities and social standings.
3. “Moby Dick” by Herman Melville: The prologue, titled “Extracts,” features a series of quotations about whales, which sets up the book’s central subject and themes.
4. “Invisible Man” by Ralph Ellison: The prologue features the narrator speaking about his life living underground, reflecting on the events that forced him into hiding and setting up the themes of race and identity.

These prologues not only provide a foundation for the stories that follow but also enrich the reader’s understanding and engagement from the outset.

Prologue in Children’s Books

In children’s literature, prologues are less common but can be found in works that need a setup to help younger readers understand the context better. Here are some examples:

1. “Peter and the Starcatchers” by Dave Barry and Ridley Pearson: This book features a prologue that sets up the adventure and introduces key elements of the fantasy world.
2. “The Tale of Despereaux” by Kate DiCamillo: The prologue introduces the reader to the world of the story, including the castle where much of the story takes place, and hints at the central themes of darkness and light, soup, and love.

These prologues help to engage young readers with settings or situations that might be outside their immediate experience.

Prologue in Poetry

Prologues in poetry often serve to set the thematic stage or introduce the tone and scope of the poetic work. Here are notable examples:

1. “The Prologue” by Anne Bradstreet: This poem serves as an introduction to her book, “The Tenth Muse Lately Sprung Up in America,” where Bradstreet addresses the role of women in poetry and sets the tone for her subsequent verses.
2. “Prologue” by Robert Browning: This piece functions as a preface to his collection of dramatic monologues, setting up the reader for the exploration of complex psychological states and social issues through the poetic voices that follow.

These prologues provide a framework that helps readers understand the deeper contexts and themes of the poetry collections.

Prologue in Songs

Songs often use a prologue, or introductory section, to set the theme or emotional tone of the album. Here are ten notable examples:

1. “The Genesis” by Nas: Serves as the introductory track to his debut album “Illmatic,” setting the tone with snippets of subway sounds and conversations about life in Queensbridge.
2. “Speak to Me” by Pink Floyd: Opens their album “The Dark Side of the Moon,” setting an atmospheric stage with various sound effects and voices that lead into the album’s themes.
3. “Foreword” by Tyler, The Creator: This track serves as the prologue to his album “Flower Boy,” addressing themes of identity and transformation.
4. “Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band” by The Beatles: Acts as a prologue to the album of the same name, introducing the fictional band and setting the stage for a concept album.
5. “Wesley’s Theory” by Kendrick Lamar: Opens his album “To Pimp a Butterfly,” setting up the album’s examination of the American dream and black identity.
6. “The Prelude” by Jay-Z: Sets the scene for his album “Kingdom Come,” reflecting on his status and the rap industry.
7. “My Name Is Jonas” by Weezer: Opens the album “Weezer (Blue Album),” setting the stage for the storytelling that follows in subsequent tracks.
8. “The Reincarnation of Benjamin Breeg” by Iron Maiden: From the album “A Matter of Life and Death,” this song sets a narrative tone that weaves through the entire album.
9. “Intro” by The xx: This instrumental track from their album “xx” sets a minimalist, emotive tone for the rest of the album.
10. “Baba Says Cool for Thought” by Lupe Fiasco: Serves as the opening to “The Cool,” featuring a spoken word piece that introduces the album’s conceptual framework.

These songs use their prologues to immerse listeners in the musical and lyrical themes that are explored in more depth throughout the albums.

Prologue in Movies

Many films begin with a prologue to establish context or set the tone. Here are some famous examples:

1. “The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring” – The prologue narrates the history of the One Ring, setting the stage for the epic journey.
2. “Star Wars: A New Hope” – The iconic opening crawl sets the scene for the intergalactic struggle between the Rebel Alliance and the Empire.
3. “Up” – A touching montage of Carl and Ellie’s life together, setting the emotional groundwork for Carl’s adventure.
4. “The Godfather” – Opens with the line “I believe in America,” spoken at a wedding, setting the tone for a story of loyalty and crime.
5. “Blade Runner” – An opening text scroll explains the world of 2019 Los Angeles, where replicants and humans coexist.
6. “Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone” – A prologue showing Dumbledore, McGonagall, and Hagrid leaving baby Harry at the Dursleys’ doorstep.
7. “The Dark Knight” – Opens with a thrilling bank heist that introduces the Joker’s character.
8. “Saving Private Ryan” – The film opens with the elderly James Ryan visiting a graveyard, setting up the flashback to WWII.
9. “Indiana Jones and the Raiders of the Lost Ark” – Begins with an adventurous sequence in the Peruvian jungle, establishing the character of Indiana Jones.
10. “Inception” – The opening scenes introduce the concept of dream extraction, setting the premise for the film’s complex plot.

These prologues are crucial for providing the necessary background or emotional impact to engage the audience from the beginning.

Famous Movie Line Highlighting Prologue

“One ring to rule them all, one ring to find them, One ring to bring them all and in the darkness bind them.”

This line from the prologue of “The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring” effectively sets up the central conflict of the entire trilogy.

YouTube Link Demonstrating Prologue

Watch the Prologue of “The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring”

This clip showcases the prologue from the film, narrating the history of the One Ring.

Prologue in Advertising

Prologues in advertising often take the form of a narrative introduction in a commercial that sets the stage for the message or the product story. Here are some famous examples:

1. Apple’s “1984” Commercial: Opens with a dystopian, controlled society setting, leading to the introduction of the Macintosh as a symbol of freedom.
2. Nike’s “Find Your Greatness” Campaign: Begins with scenes of athletes in various settings, introducing the concept of greatness in everyday achievements.
3. Old Spice’s “The Man Your Man Could Smell Like” Campaign: Starts with a rapid-fire monologue that sets a humorous and surreal tone for the brand.

These ads use a narrative prologue to draw viewers into the story being told, often setting an emotional or conceptual tone that aligns with the brand’s message.

Prologue Related Literary Devices

Prologues are closely related to several other literary devices that help structure a narrative or enhance storytelling:

1. Epilogue: Serves as the counterpart to the prologue, providing closure and resolution at the story’s end.
2. Foreshadowing: Often used within prologues to hint at future events or outcomes in the story.
3. Frame Story: A story within a story, where the prologue (and sometimes the epilogue) can serve as the outer narrative that sets up the inner one.
4. Flashback: Used to recount events that happened before the main story, similar to how some prologues provide historical context or background.

Understanding these devices helps in appreciating how a prologue functions within the broader narrative structure.