Back to Lexicon Directory
TEMPORAL MECHANICS/proʊˈlɛpsɪs/
Prolepsis
Etymology: Ancient Greek 'prolēpsis' (anticipation), from 'pro-' (before) + 'lēpsis' (taking).
Theorist Origin: Gérard Genette (1972)
Formulaic Definition
Any narrative maneuver that consists of narrating or evoking in advance an event that will take place later (commonly called a flashforward).
Formal Mathematical / Diagrammatic Model:
t_story > t_discourse_anchorCanonical Literature Specimen
“The opening of One Hundred Years of Solitude: 'Many years later, as he faced the firing squad, Colonel Aureliano Buendía was to remember that distant afternoon...'”
Related Lexicon Terms
AnalepsisAnachronyForeshadowing