Question

What is the difference between preface and prologue?

Answer 1

Hint: The term preface and prologue are considered in relation to literary work. The preface is an introduction to a book or other literary work by the author and the Prologue marks the starting point of the story by building up the background of the context.

Complete answer:
Authors include a preface, prologue and foreword in their book giving deep insights and purpose of their work. They are meant for clarity and providing an idea of what the book is going to be about.
A preface is something that is written to explain the background of the author, as opposed to introducing its content. It might explain the motivation of the author for writing the book, his background that qualifies him to write the book, or indeed why the book is necessary at all – its 'point of difference' to use the marketing vernacular. It basically tells the readers why the author is writing the book and what he intends to convey.

Example: Early Work (Poetry) by Patti Smith - Smith’s preface works as a note to the reader: to explain to them why she wrote what she did in the 1970s if it varies from her current thoughts and how she recalls it. In this short statement, she says, “The seventies. When I think of them now, I think of one great film in which I played a part. A bit part. But this is a role I will never get to play again.”

Prologues are generally used in fiction. It typically provides some background before the story starts. A prologue is a part of a storey that serves to set the scene before the main storey begins. It establishes the mood and prepares the audience for the rest of the plot, so if it's poorly written, it can seriously detract from the overall story.

Example: Extract of the prologue of “Romeo and Juliet” – William Shakespeare
Two households, both alike in dignity
(In fair Verona, where we lay our scene),
From ancient grudge break to new mutiny,
Where civil blood makes civil hands unclean.

Note: Preface and Prologue can be considered as snapshots. Just like how movies have trailers, books have preface and prologue to give a rough view of the book and author. Almost on every book, you can find the preface while prologue is generally present in storytelling books.