Epigraph examples: creating an influential paper
Have you ever come across a creative paper that started with a famous quote or a few sentences mentioned by a random person? Such a quick introduction of the topic is called an epigraph and is used to grasp the reader’s attention, unveiling little topic-related details.
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However, if you are an ambitious and persistent learner, determined to come up with the best epigraph for your paper, keep reading the article. What is an epigraph? What types are there to use? What is the best use of an option? The answers to all these questions can be found in the text below. To not rush to analyze an epigraph example but rather start with the definition and key characteristics of the paper.
What is an epigraph: definition and purpose
What is an epigraph? As mentioned by The Poetry Foundation, an epigraph is a quotation of a different source used to unveil the topic of the paper and keep the reader interested in the paper. What are the key objectives of the epigraph use? There are multiple key reasons why writers focus on the epigraph examples and try to come up with a relevant and meaningful one.
In most cases, an epigraph sets the background for the topic introduction. It helps to understand the topic better and create the right mood for the essay. If you happen to read a sophisticated epigraph example, you will acknowledge the true value of the literary device.
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Common types of epigraphs
When you know the meaning of an epigraph, you are ready to proceed to the next stage, analyzing its types and forms. Reading epigraph examples, you may get confused, as these sentences come in multiple types, with each of them having its own charm. They can be used as intriguing quotes and small poems that spark the curiosity of the readers and stir their emotions. Make sure you are aware of different types of epigraphs so that you can use them efficiently.
- Prologue. The main idea of this epigraph type is to set the foundation for a story and provide the audience with the aspects to anticipate. The writers who choose to use prologue usually quote famous literary works, song lyrics, historical documents, or other works. Unveiling some details, the writers do prepare the readers for what is yet to come.
- Epiphanic epigraph. A quick insight into the text's meaning is presented with the help of an epiphanic epigraph. These can come in the form of quotes from poets, philosophers, or writers who talk about the same subjects as you. This way, the readers have a moment of understanding, which helps to deepen the engagement with the text and acknowledge the true meanings.
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Humorous epigraph. This type of epigraph is usually about something unexpected. Thus, quotations from different sources can be used here, syncing the tone of the work. The humorous elements activate an extra level of complexity.
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- Personal. This type is about the personal choice of the author. In most cases, these are not the quotes of famous writers or historical figures but rather close friends, family members, or just random people. A sense of intimacy and honesty is added, connecting the readers with the writer.
Famous epigraph examples in literature
Regardless of the paper type, whether it is a poem, autobiography, or novel, an epigraph serves as a window that provides a thrilling glimpse into the story and its essence. Searching for famous epigraph examples, you are likely to come across a multitude of options that will impress you and help you understand the goal of this literary instrument.
Check out a few of the most prominent and encaptivating epigraph examples to advance the quality of your writing and allure the audience right from the very first line.
“All happy families are alike; each unhappy family is unhappy in its own way” - Anna Karenina by Leo Tolstoy.
“The past is never dead. It’s not even past” - Requiem for a Nun, by William Faulkner
“If music be the food of love, play on” - Twelfth Night by William Shakespeare
“It is a truth universally acknowledged that a single man in possession of a good fortune must be in want of a wife” - Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen
How to choose the epigraph
The choice of epigraph can be quite complicated and effort-consuming. In the overwhelming majority of instances, it takes much inspiration and motivation to succeed with the undertaking and opt for the element that will strengthen your arguments and contribute to the overall quality of the paper.
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To single out the best epigraph for your content, make sure you follow a few simple tips and guidelines.
- Define the topic of your paper.
- Make sure you know the style of the paper you are working on.
- Focus on the main idea of the paper.
- Make a list of famous sayings or phrases that seem suitable for your content.
- Focus on the elements that highlight the main idea of the paper.
Creative ways to use epigraph
The epigraph is a comparatively small element with a huge meaning. The main goal of an epigraph is to diversify the paper and make it sound more influential. Therefore, it frequently takes a lot of time and effort for the writer to analyze diverse epigraph examples and come up with the one that suits the best.
How is it possible to use the epigraph? Well, in most books and literary works, you will find an epigraph at the very beginning of the text. Nonetheless, there is always a more creative chance to use the sentence. Some writers are convinced that epigraphs work better somewhere in the middle of the text, for instance, at the beginning of a new chapter. Additionally, there are instances when epigraphs are used at the beginning of each section within one chapter. This way of using epigraphs is quite rare, but it is exceptionally effective.
Epigraph examples: literary quotes
Are you looking for the best epigraph examples for inspiration? Take your time to browse the web and detect the most appealing and interesting quotes that will help you succeed with your paper writing and will set the right mood for the paper. Are you ready to dive into the fascinating world of creative writing? Do you want to succeed with the paper creation? Check out a few of the most influential and consistent epigraph examples to make the choice that will add to the quality of your paper and strengthen your arguments.
Historical and philosophical epigraph examples
Searching for the best epigraph examples, you may come across a multitude of ideas that will motivate and inspire you. Here are a few options to consider while writing a paper.
“He who makes a beast of himself gets rid of the pain of being a man” Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas (Hunter S. Thompson)
“If they give you ruled paper, write the other way” Fahrenheit 451 (Ray Bradbury)
“Without heroes, we’re all plain people and don’t know how far we can go” My Year Abroad (Chang-rae Lee).
Examples of original epigraphs
Browsing the web, you will also come across a multitude of original epigraphs that will help you thrive with your custom paper. Here are a few examples you can use for inspiration, ideas, and effective writing tools.
“In the end, we will remember not the words of our enemies but the silence of our friends.” Martin Luther King
“The future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams.” Eleanor Roosevelt
“Not all those who wander are lost.” J.R.R. Tolkien
How to format an epigraph
When it comes to epigraph formatting, it is indispensable to keep in mind the general writing style of the author and the design of the work. Analyzing a few epigraph examples and following simple tips is always a great way to succeed with the undertaking. At this point, it is indispensable to mention the availability of helpful and reputable assignment writing platforms that provide people with an opportunity to succeed with epigraph writing and formatting. Reliable and widely appreciated custom essay-creating companies are ready to succeed with any assignment at a reasonable cost and with zero concerns. However, if you are ready with the first draft and just require formatting, there are two options to consider. First, you can rely on experts, and second, you can follow the guidelines and learn how to format an epigraph on your own. Check out some of the most important aspects to consider while working on the epigraph formatting.
- Placement and attribution. When you just start formatting the epigraph, focus on the position you want the epigraph to have in your paper. In the overwhelming majority of instances, people put it in a separate line before the main text. Pay attention to the source of the epigraph, and make sure you mention the right name of the author and the title of the work. The attribution can be placed on a separate line below the epigraph.
- Typography. Distinct typography is one of the key features of epigraphs. According to the recommendations, the text of the epigraph should be italicized to differentiate it from the major writing. Such a small detail will emphasize the prominence of the epigraph and will create a visual distinction.
- Indentation. Indenting the epigraph, you separate it from the body. It helps to highlight the distinctiveness between the parts and attract the reader’s attention. There is always a chance to indent the whole epigraph or just its first line.
- Consistency. Watch for the same text size, font, and style as you work on the paper. It will help you create a decent visual representation of the paper the readers will appreciate. Additionally, it will add to the aesthetic appeal, thus the overall quality of the paper.
- Punctuation and length. There are no strict rules on the length and punctuation of the epigraph. However, shorter epigraphs are likely to have more impact on the audience. Maintain the original punctuation unless it conflicts with the grammar of the sentence.
Conclusion
When working on an epigraph, it is indispensable to mind its type, structure, accuracy, and relevance. Read an epigraph example before you even start working on the project, and make sure you have selected the best option. Focus on the existing types of epigraphs and single out the one that suits your paper the most. Avoid trivial and ordinary epigraphs that do not really add to the meaning of the paper.
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