What is a prologue? How is it used in literature?

Summary

In this video, Ella Rutherford, an independent romance author and English teacher, explains what a prologue is in literature. Derived from Greek, meaning 'before word,' a prologue serves as an introductory section to a literary work, setting the stage for the main plot. It can either flash forward or look back to provide necessary context. Ella advises that a prologue should be concise, enhancing the story without being essential for understanding it. She suggests having a beta reader assess whether the prologue is necessary for the story's coherence.

Takeaways

• 📖 A prologue is an introductory section of a literary work that comes before the main story.
• 🌐 The term 'prologue' originates from Greek words 'pro' (before) and 'logos' (word), meaning 'before word'.
• 🎭 Prologues are commonly found in epic plays, dramas, and novels, enhancing the reader's understanding.
• 🔍 They serve to pique the reader's interest by providing a glimpse into the future or past events relevant to the plot.
• ⏱ Prologues should be concise, not exceeding the length of a chapter, and directly contribute to the main story's plot.
• 👀 Not all readers may read the prologue, so the main story should still make sense without it.
• 💡 Prologues should add value to the narrative and enhance the reader's enjoyment, not detract from it.
• 📚 They are not mandatory for a story's comprehension but can enrich the reader's experience.
• ✍️ For writers, consider having a beta reader assess if the prologue is necessary for understanding the main story.
• 🌟 If a prologue is not essential for the story's coherence, consider using a 'flash forward' technique elsewhere in the narrative.

Q & A

What does the term 'prologue' mean?

A prologue comes from the Greek words 'pro' meaning 'before' and 'logos' meaning 'word', so it literally means 'before word'. It is a separate introductory section of a body of work.

In which types of literary works are prologues commonly found?

Prologues are generally seen in epic plays, dramas, and novels.

What is the purpose of a prologue in a literary work?

A prologue serves to wet the reader's appetite by giving a glimpse of what's to come in the main plot, either by flashing forward or looking back on the past to provide necessary information.

How should a prologue be structured in relation to the main story?

A prologue should be short and concise, not longer than a chapter, and should pertain to driving the plot in the main story.

Why might a reader choose not to read a prologue?

Some readers may be in a hurry and think that prologues are not necessary, or they may not consider them as part of the required reading for the story.

What should be the impact of a prologue on the reader's enjoyment of the story?

A prologue should enhance the reader's enjoyment and understanding of the story without being a necessity for the reader to comprehend the main body of the story.

What advice does Ella Rutherford give for writers considering a prologue?

Ella suggests having a beta reader who hasn't read your work before to read it without the prologue to see if the story makes sense without it.

What is the significance of the Greek roots of the word 'prologue'?

The Greek roots 'pro' and 'logos' signify that a prologue is meant to come before the main narrative, setting the stage or providing context.

Can a prologue be considered optional in a literary work?

Yes, a prologue is not mandatory for the reader to understand the main story, but it can enhance their knowledge and experience of the narrative.

What is the role of a prologue in setting up the context for a novel?

A prologue can set up the context by providing background information or foreshadowing events that are integral to understanding the plot.