What is an Epigraph? Definition, Types, Examples & Uses

Epigraphs are the important subsets which are used in the literary papers. With the help of epigraphs, the writers are able to express a lot of things about what's being said in the overall writing. Identifying these and interpreting them will help in understanding what is an epigraph. Students who study literary texts need to understand and use the epigraph in the proper way. In case they are unable to do so, they can get in touch with our services. We can provide all types of help and assistance to students in order to complete the assignments associated with epigraphs.

Use of Epigraph Literature and its Examples

There are a few uses of epigraphs in the literature and it serves in a very good way. They are as follows:

Introduction of themes

Here the element of epigraph serves as providing a tribute from one writer to another. With this, they acknowledge the difference or inspiration of the other. Writers and authors can employ it from the story or poem that has been involved in sharing thematic similarities with the work. Moreover, it instantly signals the thematic currents of the literary part and can also be used in foreshadowing future events.

Establishments of the context

The epigraphs when used in the literary text help in offering a glimpse of the thematic essence of the writing before getting into the narrative itself. Be it a quotation, a snippet of the poem, or even a phrase in a cryptic tine, an epigraph can help in holding the tone of writing thereby providing context and insights into the intentions of the author. Some examples such as Ignorance is strength, war is peace, etc can be taken into consideration in the thematic context. These lines help in providing themes of manipulation and control which are offered by the narrative.

Revealing of the information

Epigraphs are also used in the literary tools in the novels where it helps in conveying crucial information. This can be understood by taking the example ‘then wearing the gold hat if that will move her’. This line is from the book The Great Gatsby which provides the stage for the exploration of ambition, materials, and the nature of love and happiness.

Aesthetic value

The use of epigraphs where idioms are also included helps in enhancing the overall aesthetic value of the literary piece. Also, this helps in providing a sophisticated and intellectually stimulating introduction. All in all, the use of epigraphs serves as the ideal hook which allows the readers to pay attention to the reading material.

Different Types of Epigraphs

After the definition and purpose of the programs, we need to see the types of epigraphs that are used in the literary text. Here are some of them:

Literary Allusion

In this type of epigraph, references from other literary works such as novels, poems, and plays can be used. With the usage, the connection is established between the text that quotes and the content that appeared in the work.

Humorous or Ironic Quotes

In this type of epigraph, it is often seen that the text is designed in such a way that it challenges the expectation of the readers and playfully subverts the tone of the text thereby providing an alternative interpretation. Also, it might perform the expected exposure of features. All in all, these allow for injecting surprise and complexity into the overall reading experience. An example from  Oscar Wild is the picture of Dorian Gray which can be taken where the novel sets the tone of irony and foreshadows the darker themes of the novel. All of it is created in the context of the life of Dorain and the consequences faced in the pursuit of beauty and pleasures.

Historical Quotes

In this type of epigraph, the essays are derived from the source of the history such as letters, speeches, and even significant events. Also, with the help of historical quotes, historical connection can be gained between the past and present. For example, speeches of famous people can be used in the essay which helps in reflecting the principles of the historical facts and their importance. 

Contrasting Quotations

This type of epigraph presents an idea that contradicts the main argument or theme. Also, this creates tensions, produces critical thinking, and also challenges the conventional belief.

Classic Epigraph

The classic epigraph is drawn from the religious scriptures and even mythological sources. Also, they offer a timeless perspective in order to have the subject matter of the essay. Taking quotes based on mythology helps in setting the tone of the narrative. Also, it helps in foreshadowing the themes of the story or the novel.

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Ways of Formatting Epigraphs

Just including the epigraphs would not suffice and not be able to gain the right effect. Hence structuring the text properly and using epigraphs must compliment the original writing and design of the work. Here are some Epigraph formatting tips and hacks that students can apply to their tests. They are as follows:

• Placement of the elements before the main text, aligning to the right margin is important, the source should be attributed below or can be integrated in the same line.
• As far as the typography is concerned, making it in italics can be done which will help in distinguishing it. Also, the use of quotations can be done.
• Indentation is associated with separating the epigraph from the main text. This can be done with either block style or indenting the first line.
• Consistency is maintaining uniformity in the size of the font and styling of the elements so that the visual appeal can be enhanced.
• The punctuation here is using short quotations which will have more impact on the writing.

Formatting Epigraphs Tips and Hacks in MLA

• In the MLA, these can be done
• Use a separate page for the addition of the quote
• Apply the same size and fonts in all paragraphs
• The text should be placed in a single space and the alignment should be centered horizontally.

Formatting Epigraphs Tips and Hacks in APA

In APA, the following formatting tricks can be added

• Epigraph should be added before the main document on a separate line.
• Same size and fonts should be followed as mentioned in the requirements.
• The paragraphs should be double-spaced and aligned at the left.
• The name of the author followed by the dash and source should be below the epigraph. Also while writing, it must be ensured that the elements are intended and located at the right of the page.

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Conclusion

In the end, it is clear that epigraphs are one of the most important literary parts of any writing. Hence students must use it to have a better form of work and explanation in the essays, in case if you have any doubts associated with the essay, you can get in touch with Do my assignment. We have the best and most experienced writers who are always available to provide assignments based on the epigraphs and their uses. You need to get in touch with us with the help of our website. All the information is given on it and avail the help of best experts in order to complete the assignments.