Difference Wiki

Prologue vs. Epilogue

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.

Key Differences

Prologue directed towards the main story; on the other hand, epilogue provides information about the fate of characters.
The prologue is the introductory section, whereas; epilogue is the concluded part of the story.
Prologue hints about the given story whereas, epilogue hint the next installment of the story.

Prologue creates curiosity on the flip side; epilogue satisfies the reader’s curiosity.
The prologue gives background details conversely; epilogue covers the loose end, which was left unresolved in the story.
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Comparison Chart

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The prologue is a separate introductory part of literary work at the start.
An epilogue is a comparatively shorter section found at the end of literary work.

Function

Introduction to the story
Conclusion of the story

Origin

1300-1400, Old French
1400-1500, French

Characteristic

Arises curiosity
Spoken directly

Prologue and Epilogue Definitions

Prologue

An introduction or preface, especially a poem recited to introduce a play.

Epilogue

A short poem or speech spoken directly to the audience following the conclusion of a play.
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Prologue

An introduction or introductory chapter, as to a novel.

Epilogue

The performer who delivers such a short poem or speech.

Prologue

An introductory act, event, or period.

Epilogue

A short addition or concluding section at the end of a literary work, often dealing with the future of its characters. Also called afterword.

Prologue

A speech or section used as an introduction, especially to a play or novel.

Epilogue

An event which reflects meaningfully on a recently ended conflict or struggle.
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Prologue

One who delivers a prologue.

Epilogue

A short speech, spoken directly at the audience at the end of a play

Prologue

(computing) A component of a computer program that prepares the computer to execute a routine.

Epilogue

The performer who gives this speech

Prologue

(cycling) An individual time trial before a stage race, used to determine which rider wears the leader's jersey on the first stage.

Epilogue

A brief oration or script at the end of a literary piece; an afterword

Prologue

To introduce with a formal preface, or prologue.

Epilogue

(computing) A component of a computer program that prepares the computer to return from a routine.

Prologue

The preface or introduction to a discourse, poem, or performance; as, the prologue of Chaucer's "Canterbury Tales;" esp., a discourse or poem spoken before a dramatic performance

Epilogue

(transitive) To conclude with an epilogue.

Prologue

One who delivers a prologue.

Epilogue

A speech or short poem addressed to the spectators and recited by one of the actors, after the conclusion of the play.
A good play no epilogue, yet . . . good plays prove the better by the help of good epilogues.

Prologue

To introduce with a formal preface, or prologue.

Epilogue

The closing part of a discourse, in which the principal matters are recapitulated; a conclusion.

Prologue

An introduction to a play

Epilogue

A short speech (often in verse) addressed directly to the audience by an actor at the end of a play

Epilogue

A short passage added at the end of a literary work;
The epilogue told what eventually happened to the main characters

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.’

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