Epigram vs Epigraph: Key Differences

Epigram vs Epigraph: Have you ever come across the words Epigram and Epigraph and wondered what they mean? They sound similar, but their meanings are quite different! If you are a student learning about literature or language, understanding these terms will help you improve your vocabulary and comprehension skills. These terms are also important for exams, especially in subjects like English Literature and General Knowledge.

In this “Epigram vs Epigraph” blog, we will explore the meanings of epigram and epigraph, their differences, and examples to make them easy to understand. We will also include a short exercise at the end to test your knowledge on the topic.

What is an Epigram?

An epigram is a short, witty, and often humorous statement. It expresses an idea in a clever way, usually with a surprising or ironic twist. Epigrams are commonly used in poetry, literature, and even everyday conversation.

Essential Features of an Epigram

Here are some essential features of an epigram:

• Short and concise
• Witty or humorous
• Expresses a sharp or ironic idea
• Often poetic or rhythmic
• Found in literary works, speeches, and philosophical writings

Examples of Epigrams:

1. “I can resist everything except temptation.” – Oscar Wilde
2. “A word to the wise is unnecessary.” – Anonymous
3. “If you want to tell people the truth, make them laugh, otherwise they’ll kill you.” – George Bernard Shaw
4. “Live as if you were to die tomorrow. Learn as if you were to live forever.” – Mahatma Gandhi

Also Read: What is Epigram? Definition, Examples, Tips to Write

What is an Epigraph?

An epigraph is a short quotation or phrase placed at the beginning of a book, chapter, or article. It is used to set the tone or theme of the content that follows. Epigraphs are often borrowed from famous works, religious texts, or philosophical writings.

Essential Features of an Epigraph

Here are the important features of an epigraph:

• Found at the beginning of a literary work or chapter
• Often a quote from another source
• Sets the theme or mood of the content
• Can be serious, reflective, or thought-provoking
• Common in novels, research papers, and essays

Examples of Epigraphs:

1. “Lawyers, I suppose, were children once.” – From To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee (quoting Charles Lamb)
2. “All happy families are alike; each unhappy family is unhappy in its own way.” – From Anna Karenina by Leo Tolstoy
3. “He who controls the past controls the future. He who controls the present controls the past.” – From 1984 by George Orwell
4. “Not all those who wander are lost.” – J.R.R. Tolkien

Epigraphs help readers understand the deeper meaning of a book or chapter before they start reading it.

Also Read: What are Epigraphs: Meaning, Purpose, and Examples

Epigram vs Epigraph: Key Differences

Epigram and epigraph may sound similar, but they serve distinct purposes in literature and writing. While an epigram is a short, witty statement designed to amuse or provoke thought, an epigraph is a brief quotation placed at the beginning of a literary work to establish its theme. Here’s a detailed comparison of the two:

Feature	Epigram	Epigraph
Definition	A short, witty, and often satirical statement that conveys a clever or amusing idea.	A short quotation or phrase placed at the beginning of a book, chapter, or article to set the theme or tone.
Purpose	To entertain, amuse, criticize, or provoke thought with brevity and wit.	To introduce the central idea, theme, or message of a literary work.
Tone	Often humorous, ironic, paradoxical, or satirical.	Can be serious, philosophical, poetic, or thought-provoking.
Where It Is Used	Found in poetry, literature, speeches, casual conversation, and social media.	Used in books, articles, essays, research papers, and even movies.
Authorship	Usually an original creation by the author.	A quote from another source, such as a famous writer, philosopher, or historical figure.
Placement	Appears within the main text or dialogue.	Placed at the beginning of a book, article, or chapter, usually before the main text.
Common Literary Devices	Uses wit, paradox, puns, and irony to make a memorable statement.	Often includes poetic, philosophical, or literary references that relate to the content of the book.
Example	“The only way to get rid of temptation is to yield to it.” – Oscar Wilde	“Not all those who wander are lost.” – J.R.R. Tolkien (Used as an epigraph in various works)
Effect on the Reader	Leaves a lasting impression by making a sharp or humorous point.	Sets expectations, provides insight, or enhances the meaning of the work it precedes.

Epigram vs Epigraph: Tips to Remember

Understanding the difference between epigram and epigraph can be tricky, but here’s an easy way to remember them!

Epigram = A short, witty remark. (Tip: Think “G” for “Giggle” because it’s often humorous or clever.)

Epigraph = A quote at the beginning of a book or chapter. (Tip: Think “Graph” as in writing since it introduces a literary work.)

Also Read: Prefix and Suffix: Definition, Rules and Examples

Why Are Epigrams and Epigraphs Important?

Both epigrams and epigraphs play an important role in literature:

• Epigrams make language more interesting and engaging.
• Epigraphs help readers understand the deeper message of a book.
• Writers use both to make their work more powerful and meaningful.
• Knowledge of these terms is essential for competitive exams such as IELTS, TOEFL, Dulingo, UPSC, SSC, and English proficiency tests.

Whether you are reading a book or writing an essay, knowing these terms will help you appreciate literature more.

Related Words for Epigram vs Epigraph

Here are some related words for epigram and epigraph to help understand their meanings better:

Related Words for Epigram (Witty Remark)

An epigram is a short, clever, and often humorous statement. It is designed to provoke thought or entertain the reader.

1. Aphorism – A concise statement of a general truth (e.g., “Actions speak louder than words.”)
   
2. Maxim – A short, wise saying (e.g., “Honesty is the best policy.”)
   
3. Proverb – A traditional saying with wisdom (e.g., “A stitch in time saves nine.”)
   
4. Quip – A clever or humorous remark (e.g., “Age is an issue of mind over matter.”)
   
5. Bon Mot – A witty remark or comment (French for “good word”)
   
6. Paradox – A seemingly contradictory but true statement (e.g., “Less is more.”)
   
7. Axiom – A universally accepted truth or principle
   

Related Words for Epigraph (Quote at the Start)

An epigraph is a short quote placed at the beginning of a book, chapter, or article to set the theme or mood.

1. Motto – A short phrase expressing a guiding principle (e.g., “Just Do It.”)
   
2. Quotation – A passage taken from another source
   
3. Inscription – Words engraved on monuments, statues, or buildings
   
4. Dedication – A message at the beginning of a book honoring someone
   
5. Preface – An introduction that explains the purpose of a book
   
6. Foreword – A short introduction, usually written by someone other than the author
   
7. Epitaph – A short text written on a tombstone (similar in form to epigraphs but for memorial purposes)

Also Read: 45+ Continuous Tense Examples in English for Students!

Exercise: Test Your Knowledge on Epigram vs Epigraph

Now, let’s see how much you’ve learned. Try to answer these questions:

Q1. Identify if the following sentences are epigrams or epigraphs:

a) “To err is human; to forgive, divine.” – Alexander Pope

b) “Behind every great fortune, there is a crime.” – At the beginning of The Godfather by Mario Puzo

c) “A fool and his money are soon parted.”

d) “All animals are equal, but some animals are more equal than others.” – From Animal Farm by George Orwell

Answers:

a) Epigram

b) Epigraph

c) Epigram

d) Epigraph

Q2. MCQs on Epigram vs Epigraph

A. What is the primary purpose of an epigram?
a) To introduce a book’s theme
b) To entertain or provoke thought
c) To summarise a story
d) To provide historical context

B. An epigraph is usually placed at which part of a book?
a) The middle
b) The end
c) The beginning
d) The appendix

C. Which of the following is an example of an epigram?
a) “History is a set of lies agreed upon.” – Napoleon Bonaparte
b) “In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth.”
c) “All animals are equal, but some animals are more equal than others.”
d) “Do unto others as you would have them do unto you.”

D. An epigraph is typically a:
a) Short witty remark
b) Quotation from another work
c) Poem
d) Dialogue between characters

E. Which literary work is most likely to have an epigraph?
a) A novel
b) A joke book
c) A news article
d) A personal diary

F. Epigrams are commonly found in:
a) Poetry and speeches
b) Only religious texts
c) Only scientific journals
d) Chapter titles

G. “I can resist everything except temptation.” – Oscar Wilde. This is an example of:
a) Epigram
b) Epigraph
c) Metaphor
d) Proverb

H. Why do authors use epigraphs?
a) To add humor to the text
b) To set the tone for their work
c) To provide a summary of the book
d) To list the characters in the story

I. Identify the epigraph in the following choices:
a) “It does not matter how slowly you go as long as you do not stop.” – Confucius, used at the start of a novel
b) “Brevity is the soul of wit.”
c) “Fortune favors the bold.”
d) “If life gives you lemons, make lemonade.”

J. What is a key difference between an epigram and an epigraph?
a) An epigram is longer than an epigraph
b) An epigraph is humorous, while an epigram is serious
c) An epigram is a witty remark, while an epigraph introduces a literary work
d) An epigram appears at the start of a book, while an epigraph is in speeches

Answers:

A. b
B. c
C. a
D. b
E. a
F.  a
G. a
H. b
I.   a
J.  c

Now you know the difference between epigram and epigraph! Even though they sound similar, they serve different purposes in literature. An epigram is a witty statement, while an epigraph is a quote at the beginning of a book.

These terms are important for literary analysis, competitive exams, and essay writing. Next time you read a book or hear a clever remark, try to identify whether it’s an epigram or an epigraph. This will make learning literature more fun and interesting.

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