Epigraph

An **epigraph** is a short quotation or saying, typically set at the beginning of a book, a chapter of a book, or a literary work, that suggests a theme or message that's intended to be explored or exemplified. It can be a relevant excerpt from another text, a famous quote, a proverb, a line of poetry, or even a short, original statement. The purpose of an epigraph is to provide context, foreshadow events, or set a specific tone for the reader, prompting them to think about the work's core ideas before diving in. It often relates thematically to the material that follows, offering a key or interpretation for the reader to consider.

Epigraph meaning with examples

• The novel, a story of resilience, opened with the epigraph: 'The only way out is through' by Robert Frost. This set the stage for the protagonist's journey of overcoming adversity. The epigraph, strategically placed, immediately connected with the underlying theme and foreshadowed challenges. Readers were drawn into the story with this simple but effective opening. The power of the epigraph lay in its ability to provide immediate and potent impact.
• Before the thrilling crime novel, the author chose the epigraph, a clever quote by Oscar Wilde, to set the tone for the novel’s witty, cynical tone. The epigraph, 'We are all in the gutter, but some of us are looking at the stars,' immediately intrigued the reader. The author thus framed their central idea and alerted the reader to consider moral ambiguity while reading. The epigraph played its part of setting the tone perfectly.
• The dystopian fiction contained an epigraph from George Orwell's '1984', warning of the dangers of totalitarianism. The epigraph served as a cautionary introduction, informing readers of the book's themes of oppression and control. This added depth and perspective. Readers recognized the epigraph, allowing an immediate understanding of the story's dystopian setting. The epigraph was a clear indicator of the author’s ideas.
• A collection of poems started with an epigraph from Rumi, focusing on the beauty of change and acceptance. This epigraph created a theme of peace. It helped the reader to feel a sense of peace and contemplation. By using such an epigraph, the author invited reflection of the reader. The epigraph, taken from the poet’s wisdom, brought a feeling of a sense of direction.
• For the historical biography, the writer incorporated an epigraph from a letter written by the subject. The epigraph was important to frame the book’s subject with personal experience and added depth. Readers gained insights from the subject’s life and understood the motivations and beliefs. The epigraph was vital to the reader’s immersion into the context of the time.