Protases

Protases are a type of sentence that is used to introduce a main clause or a series of clauses. They typically consist of a subject and a verb, and they often serve to set the stage for the rest of the discourse. Protases can be found in various forms of literature, including poetry, prose, and drama, and they are used to establish context, provide background information, or signal the beginning of a new idea or argument.

In poetry, protases are often used to create a sense of anticipation or to establish a mood. For example, in William Shakespeare's play "Macbeth," the protasis "When shall we three meet again?" sets the stage for the characters' reunion and the revelation of Macbeth's guilt. In prose, protases are used to introduce a new topic or to provide a transition between ideas. For example, in George Orwell's novel "1984," the protasis "It was a bright cold day in April, and the clocks were striking thirteen." introduces the setting and the unusual time of day.

In drama, protases are used to establish the context of a scene or to signal the beginning of a new act. For example, in Arthur Miller's play "Death of a Salesman," the protasis "Willy Loman, a traveling salesman, returns home from a sales trip." sets the stage for the play's exploration of Willy's struggles and his relationship with his family. Protases are a versatile and essential tool in the writer's toolkit, and they can be used to create a wide range of effects in literature.