Prologue vs. Epilogue

Main Difference

The main difference between prologue and epilogue is that prologue present at the beginning of the story, whereas epilogue is present at the end of the story.

Difference Between Prologue and Epilogue

Comparison Chart

Prologue vs. Epilogue

The prologue is a part of English literature which is found at the start of a novel or story. An epilogue is a part that comes at the end of the story or novel. The prologue introduces the story or drama that is explained afterward.

An epilogue concludes the story or drama that ends the above-explained story. The prologue establishes the setting and also.give information about the background. Epilogue gives details about the destiny of roles and characters of the story.

What is prologue?

The word ‘prologue’ originates from the word ‘logos’ means ‘speech,’ and the prefix pro- means ‘before.’ In short, it is the before- word. Naturally, it is comparatively shorter than the main section, or it may only be a single page or two in length.

Usually, it gives information about the events which come before the story. The prologue establishes the settings related to the main story. The prologue should have specific properties as it should explain the fictional world. It also shows the main events coming into the story.

It arises the curiosity in the reader’s mind so he may be able to have a bundle of questions arising in his mind. These remaining questions compel the reader to catch the main story. In short, prologue should develop an interest in the upcoming chapter. Prologue must be ‘storified.’

As it stays outside the main story, but it doesn’t mean that it should not be interesting. A prologue should not contain the main outline of the story that a reader may skip for the main narrative. If the main story is humor relevant, then prologue can be funny and humorous.

Example

• From the book’ The Color of Magic’

‘In a distant and second- handset of dimensions, in an astral plane that was never meant to fly, the curling star- mists waver and part…’

• In ‘Concerning Hobbits’

‘They seldom now reach three feet; but they have dwindled, they say, and in ancient days they were taller.’

What is Epilogue?

An epilogue is the opposite of Prologue. Epilogue derived from the word ‘Logos’ means speech, and the prefix Epi means ‘after.’ Hence it is the After- Word. It is present at the end of the main section and serves as a conclusion to the story.

Epilogue’s length varies depending upon the main narrative. It gives information related to the fates of characters that are introduced in the main story. It also helps out the main story, as it solves the issues that were not solved in the main story.

It can also give some points about the completion of the book. Sometimes, an author can use different scenarios in the epilogue. This may help to keep it separate from the main story. Epilogue describes the storyteller’s last consideration.

It also limits the possibilities of a sequel. Epilogue set a few hours after the main section of the story or leading to the future, where an author addresses the readers indirectly. An epilogue describes the reasons for writing a story or book.

Example

• From Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet;

‘A glooming peace this morning with it brings

The sun for sorrow will not show his head,

Go hence to have more talk of these sad things,

Some shall be pardoned, and some punished,

For never was a story of more woe,

Than this of Juliet and her Romeo.’

Conclusion

Prologue and epilogue are the two main parts of literary work in English. They may have some similarities but also have huge differences in their usage and role in literature.