An introductory section of a literary work or speech that comes before the main content. It often provides background information or sets the scene for what follows.
From Greek pro- meaning 'before' + logos meaning 'word, speech' → prologos meaning 'words spoken before.' Entered Latin as prologus, then Old French as prologue, and into Middle English maintaining the same form before becoming modern prologue.
A prologue is literally 'words before' — the logos that comes pro (before) the main story! It shares this logos foundation with epilogue ('words upon/after') and dialogue ('words between'). Notice how logos appears in theatrical and literary terms because ancient Greeks saw structured speech as the foundation of drama and learning.
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