What Is an Epigraph: How to Write One?

As a writer, the main inspiration comes from reading others' works. So you might have read many books that have radically yet positively affected your writing. There might be books or pieces of writing that are influencing your current one as well. In this case, you might be tempted to add a powerful quote from that particular writing to your own. Well, this process is part of including epigraphs in your writing but how can you make sure this will go as you have planned? Or will it impact your readers the exact same way it impacted your thought process? 

Read along to know the answers to these questions. 

What is an epigraph? 

An epigraph is a quote or phrase that will give further content and appropriate meaning to the content. It can be from an unknown figure, any famous person, or even from any literary work. Epigraphs are usually used in writing to introduce different themes that will be explored in the content throughout and share a glimpse of what is supposed to come next. This also provides an excellent opportunity for writers to captivate readers and draw them into the story while setting the stage for an influential and dynamic journey. 

What is the power of an epigraph? 

If you use epigraphs correctly, it is an effective tool that can bring depth to the writing and help people understand it more swiftly. Epigraphs are also responsible for introducing important themes and sometimes play a crucial role in relieving character motivations or even giving away clues for the plotline. Utilizing epigraphs in your text correctly can help writers hook readers instantly, and more intensely as they start moving forward in the writing. 

What is the difference between an epigraph and an epigram? 

As mentioned before, an epigraph is a brief phrase or quote that appears at the beginning of a book or a chapter and intends to provide context or set the tone for the following text. Typically, it is written by someone who is not the author of the chapter or the book. 

Furthermore, an epigram is concise and witty and often takes the shape of a paradoxical statement or even a poem that means to be thought-provoking. The author of the book or the chapter usually writes the epigrams and in terms of its place of appearance, it can appear anywhere in the text. So while an epigraph is a phrase or a quote that appears at the beginning, an epigram is a short and witty statement that can be placed anywhere. 

What are some examples? 

Some of the most impactful examples of an epigraph are - 

● “Man is born free, and everywhere he is in chains.” – Jean-Jacques Rousseau, The Social Contract

● “In the middle of the journey of our life, I found myself within a dark woods, for the straight way was lost.” – Dante Alighieri, The Divine Comedy

● “If music be the food of love, play on.” – William Shakespeare, Twelfth Night

● "Behind every great fortune there is a crime." — Balzac, The Godfather by Mario Puzo

● "People would never fall in love if they hadn't heard love talked about." – Francois de La Rochefoucauld

How can you use one? 

Many factors influence the writers when they choose what epigraph to use. 

➢ Credibility: If you borrow quotes from renowned experts who are well-regarded in the industry, it will give your epigraph more weight than using one from an unfamiliar source.

➢ Relevance: The epigraph should match the context of the chapter or the plotline. You cannot just use something because you like it. 

➢ Interpretation: The epigraph should evoke several layers of understanding in the readers’ minds. They should ignite one’s curiosity, and influence them to reflect on the subject analytically. 

➢ Uniqueness: Using a lesser-known epigraph will help your writing stand out more from the typical quotes that are usually used. 

How to format an epigraph? 

➔ Place your epigraph at the beginning of a fresh line or paragraph, one inch from the left margin.

➔ To ensure your epigraph's easy readability, make sure the first line of each additional paragraph is placed exactly one inch from the left margin. 

➔ Add a quotation mark on your epigraph if it is four lines or fewer of text. When the epigraph is bigger, you can avoid using quotation marks altogether and double-space them. 

If used correctly and precisely, epigraphs can change your writing and give it a more polished look.