Top 5 Difference Between Epilogue And Prologue To Know

Have you ever picked a book up, gone through the book roughly, and wondered what is the difference between epilogue and prologue? Of course, you have, or you wouldn’t be here. Well, same. And I just couldn’t stand the fact that I for the most of my life thought these were almost the same things- I couldn’t be more wrong!

For most of you who don’t know me or about me yet, I am an English Literature student and it is between books and the library where I spend most of my time. And with every book I used to pick up to read, I always used to think the same question, for which you are here today. Yes, what is the difference between an epilogue and a prologue? I have struggled with the same question too, for a very long time. Until I debugged it.

To say it in a few words, an epilogue is a piece of writing at the end of the story. This is where the author talks to its readers and concludes the story smoothly, whereas the prologue is just the opposite. A prologue is present at the beginning of the story or the piece of writing that introduces it well and leads the reader into the content smoothly.

We sure will discuss the difference between epilogue and prologue in long (not-so-long) details in the coming few sections. You can take notes if you want to (just kidding… unless). But on a serious note, let’s see how do epilogue and prologue differ.

What Is The Difference Between Epilogue And Prologue?

Isn’t it fascinating how a book is always so much more than we could ever know? A book is not just a story- it is also the preface, the introduction, the major story, characters, emotions, and so many more things we don’t notice.

Two of those things are the epilogue and the prologue.

But now that you have finally landed on this blog, why not know the whole thing? What is a prologue? What is an epilogue? What is the difference between epilogue and prologue? And anything that I could tell you about these two!

Now, let’s just straightway get started!

What Is An Epilogue?

The part of the book I never reach…just kidding. Or… am I?

Trying to say it is the easiest way possible, the epilogue is basically what wraps the story or the plot of the story. It lets the reader off the hook and tones down the chances of the ending of the plot being abrupt.

The epilogue of the book, poem, story or any general piece of the book is placed at the end of the book. It is the part where we get to know what happens after the plot ends. What happened to the protagonists of the story?

It is set in the future and contains incidents and events that might have taken place.

You can use an epilogue to see whether you can expect the sequel of the book or not- yes, the secret lies right there!

You can skip the epilogue if you are quite satisfied with how the main plot ended- you don’t have to force yourself into reading it.

But if YOU WANT ANSWERS, epilogue could be the place where you are most likely to find those.

What Is A Prologue?

The prologue is basically what most people skip when they read the book. (Wait, no! This is not the right definition! Geez!)

To keep it simple, a prologue is an introduction or the introductory part of the poem, story, novel, or any piece of writing. It eases the reader’s mind and prepares the reader for what is about to come further, so the reader’s mind is not all twirly while he/she reads the book.

A prologue in the book contains important information about the main content of the story in the book. However, it is not compulsory to read the prologue- yes; it is not a written rule anywhere, YET.

It lies down in the background of the story, sometimes might even tell you the nature of a few characters, tell you how it all started.

However, you can skip reading the prologue of a few books, but the prologue becomes important to read when the reader is reading Sci-Fi, Adventure, Horror, Fantasy books, etc.

You can skip the prologue in non-fictional books (I mean… if you want to).

But read it though, the author put thought into it.

You can check the detailed article about prologues. It is called “Is prologue important to read?”

5 Major Differences Between Epilogue And Prologue In Tabular Form

Serial No.	Epilogue	Prologue
1.	The epilogue is placed at the end of the story; it wraps up the entire plot.	The prologue is at the beginning of the story; It sets up the tone for the story.
2.	It is also the “afterword” of the book.	The prologue is the preview of the book.
3.	Puts the curiosity of the reader at ease.	Generates interest and curiosity in the reader.
4.	The epilogue is there to provide the final touches to the book.	The prologue is there to provide the reader with the information that would help the reader understand the characters a little better.
5.	The epilogue is set in the future and tells the reader what happened to the (main) character.	The prologue will introduce you to these characters, their lifestyle, and their problems.

Summing Up | Difference Between Epilogue And Prologue

These were the basic and major differences between an epilogue and a prologue.

A prologue is at the beginning of the novel or the story, while an epilogue is in the end. I hope this article was helpful, and you understood the basic differences between these two.

Meantime you’re here, why do you not check more informative posts written by me as well as our whole team? You can find those posts below:

• Is It Important To Read Old Book?
• How Reading Fiction Affects Your Life?
• 8 Ways Of Reading Multiple Books At A Time
• 5+1 Reasons Entrepreneurs Must Have A Reading Habit!

I hope these articles will also be very helpful to you!