Is it an epigram, an epigraph, or an epilogue?

Writers can use literary devices to enhance the meaning of their stories. Epigrams, epigraphs, and epilogues are all tools that can strengthen a story.

What is an epigram?

An epigram is a brief saying that ends with a satirical twist. They’re often humorous and are used to express a single thought. The word “epigram” comes from the Greek word “epigraphein,” which means to write on or inscribe. This word was used in reference to the inscriptions on ancient Greek monuments.¹

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Examples of epigrams

Here are a few examples of famous epigrams:

• “Candy is dandy, but liquor is quicker.” – Ogden Nash
• “If you can’t be a good example, you’ll just have to be a horrible warning.” – Catherine the Great
• “I can resist everything but temptation.” – Oscar Wilde
• “Mankind must put an end to war, or war will put an end to mankind.” – John F. Kennedy
• “To err is human, to forgive is divine.” – Alexander Pope
• “There are no gains without pains.” – Benjamin Franklin

What is an epigraph?

An epigraph is a short quote or line that is found at the beginning of a book. This literary tool is used to foreshadow what a reader can expect from a book. They can also be used in films, plays, or poems. “Epigraph” comes from the Greek word “epigraphḗ,” which means “inscription.”²

Examples of epigraphs

This epigram is found at the beginning of 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 cry, ‘Lover, gold-hatted, high-bouncing lover,
I must have you!’”

—Thomas Parke D’Invilliers

In The Great Gatsby, the main character Jay Gatsby tries hard to get the attention of Daisy Buchanan. This quote was used at the beginning of the book to poke fun at Gatsby’s attempts to get Daisy to love him.

This famous epigraph is used at the beginning of the novel The Godfather by Mario Puzo:

“Behind every great fortune, there is a crime.” —Honore de Balzac

This quote helps readers understand what to expect from the book, which is a story about organized crime and wealth.

Another impactful epigraph can be found in Fahrenheit 451 by Ray Bradbury. The epigraph contains this quote:

“If they give you ruled paper, write the other way.” —Juan Ramón Jiménez

In the dystopian novel, books become illegal and are burned. This quote sets the stage for the defiance and rebellion that readers can expect to read about in the book.

What is an epilogue?

An epilogue is a final piece of writing at the end of a book. Epilogues help conclude the story. They can also be used to share with the reader what happens next. Epilogues sometimes even contain clues that there will be a sequel to create hype for the next book. The word “epilogue” comes from the Greek word “epilogos,” which means “in addition.”³

Epilogue examples

You can find an epilogue by turning to the end of most books. Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows by J.K. Rowling contains a famous epilogue to conclude the long-running series about wizards. As the final Harry Potter book in the series, fans got to read about their favorite characters as adults 19 years later. This epilogue offered a satisfying and bittersweet ending to the seven-book series.

What’s the difference between epigram vs. epigraph vs. epilogue?

It’s important to remember that an epigram is a short saying with a twist at the end of it. Epigraphs, on the other hand, are quotes at the beginning of a book. Epilogues provide closure at the end of a book.

If you’re having trouble remembering the difference between an epigram and an epigraph, remember that the word “graph” can denote something written, and epigraphs are written at the beginning of a book. And if you’re having trouble distinguishing “epilogue” from “epigram” or “epigraph,” remember that “epilogue” sounds a little like “long” and epilogues are longer-written pieces at the end of a book.

Now that you know what an epigram, epigraph, and epilogue are, you’ll probably start noticing them everywhere. Explore more literary devices like alliteration and hyperbole to elevate your writing skills.

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