Prologues: A Heads-Up For Your Readers

 

Sometimes, we make decisions in our writing that may surprise readers, such as using a concept from our positionality, using 'I', or using terminology or spellings that may not be mainstream. If you want your readers not to be caught off-guard by these, try including a short prologue to help them understand what’s coming or explain your writing choices.

What Is a Prologue?

You may have read a book or heard an album that starts with a short prelude. The purposes of these introductory pieces are to provide context and/or set the tone for the body of work. Prologues are generally placed before the first chapter of a book; they do not replace an introduction, however.

If you are worried that trying one of our concepts may have a bad effect on your grade, you should definitely meet with your instructor to discuss what you want to try and why. You should even bring an example, outline, or a draft to show what you intend to do. Later, as an added layer of insurance, include a prologue in your drafts to remind them of what you are aiming to do. This should be appreciated and considered when your essay’s grade is given.

Sample Prologues

 

Prompt: Write an argumentative essay using reliable evidence to support your opinion about the movement to end                        negative responses to women’s expressions of sexuality.

Actual Student Prologue: In the following essay there will be first-hand experiences that are used as evidence. Although [scholars] emphasize that first-hand experiences are the least reliable, for this piece I would respectfully disagree. This essay is directed to give women a voice whereas [traditionally] credible sources can only explain [women’s experiences] from an outside perspective.

This essay then went on to use women’s personal experiences to support a part of the paper that argued that when women report sexual assault, they are defamed in their communities and in the media, including social media. The prologue helps the reader to consider the writer’s reasoning for not fully following the prompt.

 Prompt: Write an argumentative essay about whether or not the affluent have a responsibility to help the less-affluent                  overcome income inequality.

Actual Student Prologue: In understanding the issue of income inequality through opposing views of a thinker like the rapper Jay-Z and singer and civil rights activist Harry Belafonte, I’ve made the topic more accessible to myself and my audience, who likely includes the less-wealthy. It was a pleasure and a challenge for me to apply critical thinking skills to Hip Hop culture, the genre of my generation. I hope that more writers will use Hip Hop, Black popular culture, or other accessible scenarios to define income inequality and illustrate its complex controversies.

The essay then went on to argue the writer’s opinion of the responsibilities that the wealthy like Jay-Z and Belafonte should have in helping the less-wealthy.

 

Takeaways

•   If you think your professor or audience will be surprised by any of the writing choices you’ve made in your assignment,      consider meeting with the professor beforehand to discuss the choices you want to make and why.
•   Add a prologue to inform the audiences of the stylistic choices you’re using and why.
•   A prologue does not need to be long. It does not need to be an additional burden for you to do for the assignment. Keep your explanation simple.
•   If you are worried about the impact your writing choices may have on your grade, do the steps above.