proem
Text's formal introduction
A proem is an introductory section of a literary work—a preface, preamble, or prologue.
The term is literary and somewhat archaic, appearing mostly in discussions of classical texts: The proem to Homer's Iliad invokes the Muse.
It suggests a formal opening that sets the stage for what follows.
Preliminary section or presentation
- preamblePreliminary statement before content
- prologueIntroductory literary section
- forewordIntroductory book section
- openingGap or start
exordium · invocation · overture · frontispiece · preliminary · epigraph · dedication · argument
Introductory part of speech
- thesisAcademic argument requiring defense
- propositionStatement expressing a judgment
- statementExpressed claim or fact
- announcementPublic declaration of information
declaration · outline · summary · preview · foreshadowing · framing · context · establishment
introduction
Preliminary section or presentation
- preamblePreliminary statement before content
- prologueIntroductory literary section
- forewordIntroductory book section
opening · exordium · invocation · overture · frontispiece · preliminary · epigraph · dedication · argument · prefatory
exordium
Introductory part of speech
- thesisAcademic argument requiring defense
- propositionStatement expressing a judgment
- statementExpressed claim or fact
announcement · declaration · outline · summary · preview · foreshadowing · framing · context · establishment · groundwork
epic
Impressively grand in scope
Homer · Virgil · Muse · invocation · hexameter · dactylic · bard · recitation · oral · tradition
proemepilogue
Concluding literary section
epilog · conclusion · finale · envoi · postscript