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In this guide, we'll give you the epilogue definition, explain the various purposes of epilogues in literature, provide you with real epilogue examples, and go over four useful tips for writing your very own epilogue.
- Epilogue Definition
- Epilogue, Prologue, and Afterword
- Epilogue in Greek and Elizabethan Stage Plays
- Epilogue in Horror and Suspense Novels
- Examples of Epilogue in Literature
- Function of Epilogue
An epilogue, or “epilog,” is a chapter at the end of a work of literature, which concludes the work.
Epilogue is the opposite of prologue, which is a piece of writing at the beginning of a literary work. An epilogue is different from an afterword, in that it is part of the main story, occurring after the climax, and revealing the fates of the characters. An afterword is typically written by someone other than the author, and describes how the book...
Epilogue examples are abundant in Greek and Elizabethan stage plays, since including epilogues at the end of the plays was a common practice among their playwrights. After the end of the play, an actor would step forward, speaking directly to the audience, offering his gratitude to them for watching the play patiently. In comedies, epilogues uttere...
In modern horror and suspense novels and stories, the epilogue is purposefully used to hint at a threat that still looms large on the horizon. The monster or villain is believed to have been done with, but the epilogue suggests that the danger is not over and still looms over them. Therefore, it adds to the horror and mystery of the work of literat...
Example #1: Romeo and Juliet
Consider the following epilogue that is spoken in William Shakespeare’s play Romeo and Juliet: A post-play description of the play is given in a most poignant fashion, describing the gloomy atmosphere after the tragedybefell the two ardent lovers, Romeo and Juliet.
Example #2: As You Like It
Notice a carefree sort of epilogue that marks the end of yet another of Shakespeare’s plays, As You Like It, spoken by Rosalind: It clearly shows how happy and contented Rosalind is.
Example #3: Animal Farm
We notice George Orwell appending an epilogue to his novel Animal Farm, as Chapter 10. He, in his epilogue, presents the situation of the Manor Farm after many years have passed, describing the fate of the characters who participated in the revolution. He says: Similarly, Orwell tells us about the evolution that has taken place in the dominating pigs that are still at the helms of power. He says:
Writers of great examples of epilogue show how useful this device is to achieve the following ends: 1. To satisfy the readers’ curiosity, by telling them about the fate of the characters after the climax 2. To cover loose ends of the story 3. To hint at a sequel or next installment of the story
- Do epilogues help to develop a character? After seven books and a neverending array of twists and turns, the Harry Potter series finally drew to a close with Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows.
- Does it hint at a sequel? American Netflix hit Stranger Things served up gargantuan epilogues at the end of both its seasons, each time hinting that something sinister is still out there in Hawkins… and, naturally, they’ll need the next installment to find it and kill it.
- Does it emphasise a key part of the story? Underneath all the fighting and blood and black eyes, the Rocky film franchise is really about grit, perseverance, and relationships.
- Can epilogues help with world-building? Margaret Atwood's most famous novel, The Handmaid's Tale, employs an epilogue that creatively underscores many of the book's main themes while only giving subtle hints as to the main characters' fates.
Aug 21, 2020 · For example: As Lorel picked up her beautiful bouncing baby boy, she noticed a note slipped under her child. The familiar red writing propelled into the past like a thunderbolt. Clenching her fist, she crumpled the note.
An epilogue is a short speech, poem, dirge, elegy or an event that comes at the end of a play, a novel or any other literary piece to close it or better to give it a finishing touch. There are three famous techniques used among which epilogue stands out as a unique technique as differentiated below.
Sep 7, 2021 · Have you ever come to the end of a novel and thought there was something missing? A firmer resolution, perhaps, or a final thought to tie everything together? This is the purpose of an epilogue. An epilogue always comes at the end of a story but is separate from the final chapter.
Examples of an Epilogue. Example 1. The Lord of the Rings books and films include a series of scenes at the end of the epic, which show the main characters returning home and / or leaving Middle Earth for further shores during the years immediately after the adventure is concluded.
