In literary works, the prologue and the epilogue are two structural elements that frame the main narrative, but they differ significantly in their position, purpose, content, and effect on the reader. Understanding the distinction between them is essential for analyzing the composition of literary texts, including many works of Russian literature. Both devices contribute to the artistic unity of a work, yet they perform opposite functions within the narrative structure. A prologue is an introductory section placed before the main story begins. Its primary purpose is to prepare readers for the events that follow. It may provide background information about the historical period, introduce important themes, describe the setting, or explain circumstances that are necessary for understanding the plot. In some literary works, the prologue presents an event that occurred before the main action, while in others it serves as a philosophical reflection by the author or narrator. By offering context and establishing the atmosphere, the prologue helps readers enter the fictional world with greater understanding and interest. An epilogue, in contrast, appears after the main narrative has ended. It serves as a concluding section that explains what happens to the characters after the central conflict has been resolved. An epilogue may reveal the long-term consequences of the events, provide closure to unresolved questions, or offer the author's reflections on the meaning of the story. Sometimes it describes the future lives of