What are Epigraphs: Meaning, Purpose, and Examples

What are epigraphs? Have you ever started reading a book and noticed a small quote or phrase at the beginning of a chapter or before the story even begins? That’s called an epigraph. It is a literary tool used by authors to set the tone, provide insight, or hint at the theme of their work. While epigraphs may seem like just an extra touch, they serve a deeper purpose in literature, research, and even movies.

In this blog “What are Epigraphs”, we will explore what epigraphs are, why they are used, where they appear, and how they add meaning to creative and academic works. We will also discuss how to choose the perfect epigraph for your writing.

What are Epigraphs?

An epigraph is a short quotation, phrase, or excerpt placed at the beginning of a book, chapter, article, or poem. It usually comes from another literary work, religious text, famous speech, or even a song. Epigraphs are used to introduce the theme, create curiosity, or provide a deeper context for the main content.

Example:

In The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald, the novel opens with this epigraph:

“Then wear the gold hat, if that will move her; If you can bounce high, bounce for her too, Till she cry ‘Lover, gold-hatted, high-bouncing lover, I must have you!’” – Thomas Parke D’Invilliers

This epigraph hints at the theme of materialism and love, which is central to the novel’s plot.

Also Read: What is Epigram?

What is the Purpose of an Epigraph?

Epigraphs are not just decorative. They play an important role in enriching a work. Here’s why they are used:

1. Setting the Tone

An epigraph gives readers a hint about the mood of the book. It can be serious, humorous, mysterious, or thought-provoking.

Example: A horror novel might start with a dark, chilling quote from Edgar Allan Poe to prepare the reader for an eerie experience.

2. Providing Insight

Sometimes, an epigraph reveals a key idea that the book or article explores. It acts as a clue to the reader.

Example: If an article is about environmental conservation, it might start with a quote like:

“The Earth does not belong to us: we belong to the Earth.” – Chief Seattle

3. Connecting to History or Culture

Authors use epigraphs to connect their work with historical or cultural references, making the content more meaningful.

Example: A novel about war might use a quote from The Art of War by Sun Tzu to give readers a sense of strategy and survival.

4. Adding Depth to the Story

Readers who understand the epigraph’s reference might gain an additional layer of meaning in the story.

Example: A book about time travel might begin with:

“Time is the wisest counselor of all.” – Pericles

This makes the reader think about how time plays a role in the story.

Check out: Common Phrases for Daily Use

Where Are Epigraphs Used?

Epigraphs are used in many types of writing to give readers a hint about the main idea. They make the content more meaningful and engaging. Here are some common places where epigraphs are used:

1. Books and Novels

Most commonly, epigraphs appear at the beginning of books or individual chapters. Famous authors, like J.K. Rowling and Ernest Hemingway, have used them effectively.

2. Academic Papers and Research

In scholarly work, an epigraph can summarize the key idea of a thesis or argument. For example, a research paper on leadership might start with:

“A leader is one who knows the way, goes the way, and shows the way.” – John C. Maxwell

3. Poetry

Poets often include epigraphs to give a prelude to their themes. A poem about love might include:

“Love looks not with the eyes, but with the mind.” – William Shakespeare

4. Movies and TV Shows

Some films begin with an epigraph to introduce the theme. For example, Apocalypse Now starts with a quote from The Heart of Darkness by Joseph Conrad, hinting at its deep philosophical themes.

5. Articles and Essays

Writers use epigraphs in opinion pieces or blogs to engage readers and provide perspective on the topic being discussed.

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Examples of Epigraphs in Literature

Here’s a simple table with examples of epigraphs from famous books for students. An epigraph is a short quote at the beginning of a book that gives a clue about its theme. It helps readers understand the deeper meaning of the story.

Book Name	Epigraph	Meaning
The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald	“Then wear the gold hat, if that will move her…” – Thomas Parke D’Invilliers	Do whatever it takes to impress someone.
To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee	“Lawyers, I suppose, were children once.” – Charles Lamb	Even great people start small.
Frankenstein by Mary Shelley	“Did I request thee, Maker, from my clay to mould me Man?” – Paradise Lost	The creature questions its creation.
Moby-Dick by Herman Melville	“And God created great whales.” – The Bible	Whales are important and powerful creatures.
The Sun Also Rises by Ernest Hemingway	“You are all a lost generation.” – Gertrude Stein	A whole generation struggled after war.

How to Choose the Right Epigraph?

An epigraph is a short quote placed at the beginning of a book, essay, or article. It gives readers an idea of the main theme of the writing. If you want to include an epigraph in your work, follow these simple tips:

1. Choose a Relevant Quote

Pick a quote that matches the main idea of your writing. It should give readers a hint about what your work is about.
Example: If you are writing about hard work, you could use:
“It does not matter how slowly you go as long as you do not stop.” – Confucius

2. Keep It Short and Simple

A good epigraph is brief and meaningful. If the quote is too long, readers may lose interest.

3. Mention the Author

Always give credit to the person who said or wrote the quote. This makes your work more reliable and respectful.

4. Pick Quotes from Trusted Sources

Choose quotes from well-known books, philosophers, or historical figures. This makes your writing more thoughtful and powerful.

5. Don’t Use Too Many Quotes

Using only one strong epigraph is best. Too many quotes can confuse the reader and take away from your main message.

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Epigraphs are small but powerful literary devices that enrich a piece of writing. They help set the mood, introduce themes, and connect a book, article, or movie to historical or cultural ideas. Whether you are a writer, student, or just a lover of books, understanding epigraphs can deepen your appreciation of literature.

So next time you read a book, don’t skip the epigraph—it might just hold the key to the whole story.

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