What is an epigraph?

Question

I'd like to know. 

Answer 1

An epigraph can be either: 

  1) a quotation or an inscription on a building or statue

 - For example a plaque with the following text can be found inside the pedestal of the Statue of Liberty : 

“Give me your tired, your poor, your huddled masses yearning to breathe free.” This quote comes from Emma Lazarus' sonnet, New Colossus

-or an epigraph can be

  2) a quotation or "motto" used at the beginning of a book or any text which usually suggest the theme of that book or text

- For example: this is the epigraph in the beginning of the Great Gatsby:

"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

-Epigraphs give you a sampling of what is too come in the book or just give you a heads up as to what the theme may be

Answer 2

Epigraph is a quote, statement or phrase used at the beginning of a book, a chapter and its main purpose is to set the tone, provide context to the theme. To understand the word more clearly let us divide the word in two. The Prefix and the suffix.

The prefix Epi- is a Greek word meaning:

(a) Upon-to indicate that something is placed or resting on something else.

(b)Above- suggesting something is higher or hovering over something

(c) In addition - implying that something is added or supplementing something.

Some examples of other words with the prefix "epi" using a,b, and c are :

Epidermis-upon the skin

Epidemic-upon or among people

Epilogue-in addition to the main story

Epiphany- a sudden realization that comes upon someone

The original word Epigraph- written upon or above and suggests that the quite of phrase is placed upon or at the beginning of a work, poetry or literary.

The suffix Graph is also a Greek word meaning writing or drawing; recording or representation.

Some examples of words with the suffix graph are:

Autograph-self writing

Biography life writing

Telegrapgh- distance writing

Photograph- light drawing

Graph- a visual representation of data

Therefore the suffix "graph" in Epigraph indicates the act of writing or inscribing a quote or phrase at the beginning of a piece of literary work.

Answer 3

An epigraph is a brief quotation, poem, or saying placed at the beginning of a literary work, chapter, or section. Its purpose is to set the tone, introduce themes, or provide context that can enrich the reader's understanding. By doing so, an epigraph gives a glimpse of the underlying ideas or influences that the author considers important for the work. Here’s an expanded explanation with examples:

Purpose of an Epigraph

1. Setting the Mood:
2. An epigraph can immediately evoke a mood or atmosphere that resonates throughout the work. For example, a dark and mysterious epigraph might prepare readers for the tone of a Gothic novel.
3. Highlighting Themes:
4. By featuring a quotation that encapsulates a major theme, the epigraph acts as a hint or metaphor for what’s to come. It encourages readers to think about the ideas detailed in the text.
5. Paying Homage:
6. Authors might include epigraphs to honor influences or predecessors. This showcases the literary or philosophical lineage that informs their work.
7. Provoking Reflection:
8. Sometimes, epigraphs are chosen to stimulate the reader’s curiosity or to provide a symbolic lens through which the narrative can be interpreted.

Examples of Epigraphs in Literature

1. "Moby-Dick" by Herman Melville:
2. The novel opens with an epigraph featuring a quote from the Book of Jonah:
3. "Call me Ishmael."
4. Although brief, this introductory line sets the reflective and somewhat enigmatic tone for the entire narrative.
5. "Lolita" by Vladimir Nabokov:
6. Nabokov includes an epigraph that offers insight into the themes of obsession and illicit desire, preparing the reader for the morally complex narrative that follows.
7. "The Satanic Verses" by Salman Rushdie:
8. Rushdie uses epigraphs to introduce themes of cultural clash, identity, and the nature of religious faith, inviting readers to explore these multifaceted issues throughout the book.
9. "The Canterbury Tales" by Geoffrey Chaucer:
10. Chaucer's work begins with epigraphs that reference classical mythology and previous literary works. These serve both as an homage and as a way to embed the stories in a broader cultural and literary tradition.

Answer 4

An epigraph is a shortened quote or excerpt at the start of a book, chapter, essay, or other forms of writing. An epigraph usually serves to introduce or stress the main themes, ideas, or tone of the work.

A good example of an epigraph would be the opening of the novel The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald:

“Then wear the gold hat if that will move her.

If you can bounce high, bounce for her too,

‘Till she cries ‘Lover, gold-hatted, high-bouncing lover,

I must have you!”

Answer 5

Epi -is a root meaning, "upon." Graph- means "to write." An epigraph is a line at the beginning of a text (chapter, book...) that the theme or main idea of the text is built upon.

Answer 6

A short quatetion or saying at the beginning of a book or chapter.intended suggest it's themes.