Tactical Purpose:
An author would use this device in order to explain the scenario for the reader. It sets the stage for what to expect in the literary work. This device impacts the reader because it informs them about the topic, scenario, characters, etc., before the piece of literature starts. This information allows the reader to have a better understanding of the events in the literary work. Without a preface, the reader would not have the necessary information that is needed while reading. A writer might use this device if they are writing a book that starts with a scenario where previous information is needed. For example, if a book starts with soldiers at war, a preface would be used to explain the events leading up to the beginning of the book. The author would include information such as what war it is, why that soldier is in the war, and other general knowledge that the reader needs in order to be caught up on the situation in the book. In works of nonfiction, prefaces can be used to recognize and thank the writers/editors involved in making the work, to introduce the main time periods and events in the work, to mention the process in creating the piece of literature, etc.
Steps for Analysis:
Identify the preface by its positioning in the work of literature (prefaces are usually at the beginning of a literary work).
Notice the topic that is being addressed in the preface. This literary term usually identifies the subject, time period, setting, scope, characters, etc. It can also inform the reader about the authors and editors of the work, as well as the efforts/process of creating the literary work.
Understand why the topics (listed above) are significant to the contents of the literary work.
Consider why the author is including a preface at the beginning of the work.
Many authors do not use a preface in their literature, so what is the significance of this term when it is being used?
How does it contribute to the main topic?
How does it set the stage for the rest of the literary work?
Example:
"The balance sheet aside, the three editors and the editorial assistant have produced two volumes which realize fairly well the original intention: to provide an up-to-date, reliable, and interestingly written guide to the histories of the European peoples during the heart of the late Middle Ages, Renaissance, and Reformation. Special care has been taken with the aids. These include the bibliographies, the maps, two appendices reproduced from vol. 1: the lists of rulers and John H. and Munro's excellent and original appendix on money. They support in an important way the editors' desire to produce a work which does not cap or summarize a field so much as open it to further study by bringing current expertise both to the future experts and to the educated general readers in all countries where English is widely read."
Brady, Thomas Allan, et al. Handbook of European History, 1400-1600: Late Middle Ages, Renaissance, and Reformation. Grand Rapids, W.B. Eerdmans, 1996.
Analysis:
The preface in the Handbook of European History has its own section at the beginning of the book, so it is easy to identify. The purpose of this Preface is to thank the editors and everyone involved in the creation of the book, as well as to state the main topic of the work. The preface of the Handbook of European History starts by acknowledging the editors and authors who contributed to the work. In writing the book, many specialists of different subjects regarding the topic of European history were involved in gathering and writing information that is included in the work. The preface acknowledges them and their efforts. The recognition of these contributors from all over the world is significant because it shows the wide variety of information that is contained in this book. The acknowledgement of these people informs the reader on the effort that was put into the work. It sets the stage for what the reader should expect in terms of the information in the book.
The preface also indicates the topic of the book. It is an "...interestingly written guide to the histories of the European peoples during the heart of the late Middle Ages, Renaissance, and Reformation" (Brady et al. X). The inclusion of this information is significant to what the reader should expect in the book. The preface informs the reader on the topic so that before they start reading the book, they have a good understanding of the information that is included in it. Many authors do not use prefaces in their work, but the use of a preface in this book is important. With the large number of people that contributed to this book of European history, acknowledging them is needed in order to give them credit for the work that they put into the creation of the book. In terms of stating the topic, the authors' use of a preface provides the prior information needed for the reader to understand what this piece of literature is about.
Max K