Have you ever encountered a quote at the very beginning of a book, a chapter, or even a poem that seems to set the tone, hint at the themes, or offer a contrasting perspective? That, my friends, is often an epigraph. It’s a fascinating literary device that adds layers of meaning and invites readers to engage with a text on a deeper level. Let’s explore what an epigraph is, how it functions, and why authors use them.
What is an Epigraph?
Simply put, an epigraph is a short quotation, phrase, poem, or saying placed at the beginning of a text—a book, a chapter, or a section. The word itself comes from the Greek word epigraphē, meaning “an inscription.” Think of inscriptions on monuments or buildings—they often set the stage or provide context. Literary epigraphs serve a similar purpose.
A Quick Look: Epigraph Examples
Here are a few very short examples to illustrate the basic idea:
- “All that glitters is not gold.” – William Shakespeare (Might introduce a story about deception or appearances)
- “The journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step.” – Lao Tzu (Could preface a story about undertaking a long and difficult quest)
- “Hope is a thing with feathers.” – Emily Dickinson (Could introduce a story about resilience and perseverance)
Notice how even these brief excerpts suggest something about what might follow.
The Function of an Epigraph
An epigraph isn’t merely decorative. It’s a deliberate choice by the author to enrich the text in various ways. Here’s how it works:
Setting the Tone and Mood
An epigraph can immediately establish the emotional atmosphere of a work. A somber quote might signal a tragic story, while a witty one could indicate a lighthearted approach.
Example: Imagine a novel about grief beginning with a line such as “There is no grief that time cannot lessen.” This sets a melancholic but hopeful tone, preparing the reader for a story about loss and healing.
Introducing Themes
Epigraphs often hint at the central themes the author will explore. They act as a sort of preview, guiding the reader’s interpretation of the story.
Example: A story about the dangers of unchecked ambition might begin with a line from Macbeth, “Stars, hide your fires.” This immediately flags ambition as a key theme and suggests a potential descent into darkness.
Providing Context or Background
Sometimes an epigraph provides crucial information that sheds light on the narrative. It might introduce a historical figure, a philosophical idea, or a cultural reference.
Example: A novel set during the French Revolution could begin with a quote from a revolutionary leader, immediately grounding the reader in the historical context.
Creating Irony or Contrast
Authors can use epigraphs ironically, presenting a statement that contradicts the events of the story. This creates tension and encourages the reader to think critically.
Example: A darkly comedic novel about a dysfunctional family might begin with the line, “The family is the foundation of society.” This ironic juxtaposition highlights the story’s subversion of traditional values.
Character Development
An epigraph can provide insight into a character’s mindset or beliefs. If a character strongly identifies with a particular quote, it reveals something about their personality.
Example: A character obsessed with control might have an epigraph at the beginning of their chapter that reads, “Order is heaven’s first law.”
In-Depth Epigraph Examples
Let’s look at some examples from well known works to see how authors use this device.
| Work | Epigraph | How it Functions |
| The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald | “So we beat on, boats against the current, borne back ceaselessly into the past.” | This epigraph, taken from Thomas Malory’s Le Morte d’Arthur, perfectly encapsulates the novel’s central theme of the unattainable past and the struggle against fate. It foreshadows Gatsby’s relentless pursuit of Daisy and the ultimate futility of his dreams. |
| Catch-22 by Joseph Heller | “Catch-22” (the rule itself is detailed in the novel) | The epigraph is not a traditional quote, but the very name of the paradoxical rule that drives the novel’s plot. It establishes the central theme of bureaucratic absurdity and the illogical nature of war. |
| The Bell Jar by Sylvia Plath | “I took my own life for the last time.” | This shocking and ambiguous epigraph immediately signals the novel’s dark and confessional nature. It foreshadows the protagonist’s descent into mental illness and her struggle with suicide. It sets a stark and unsettling tone. |
Beyond Books
While epigraphs are most commonly found in novels and poems, they can also appear in other forms of writing, such as essays, articles, and even speeches. In these contexts, they serve a similar purpose of introducing themes, establishing tone, or providing context.
The Art of Selection
Choosing the right epigraph is an art. An effective epigraph isn’t simply a beautiful quote; it’s a carefully chosen phrase that resonates with the text on multiple levels. Authors consider the meaning, the context, and the potential impact on the reader.
An epigraph adds depth, complexity, and nuance to a text. It’s a subtle but powerful literary device that can enhance the reading experience and invite deeper engagement with the author’s ideas. By paying attention to these often overlooked phrases, we can unlock a richer understanding of the stories we read.