Epigraph

Definition

An epigraph is a short quotation or saying at the beginning of a literary work, intended to suggest its theme or set the tone. Often drawn from other texts, epigraphs provide a framework for understanding the narrative that follows and can create connections between different works or ideas.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Ezra Pound frequently used epigraphs in his works to highlight key themes and connect his poetry to classical literature.
2. Epigraphs can create layers of meaning, as they invite readers to consider the significance of the quoted material in relation to the new text.
3. In Pound's writing, epigraphs often serve as a way to introduce complex ideas or historical references that enhance the reader's understanding.
4. The choice of an epigraph can reflect an author's influences and indicate their literary conversations with other writers.
5. Pound's use of epigraphs aligns with his modernist approach, which emphasized innovation while also acknowledging tradition in literature.

Review Questions

• How does Ezra Pound's use of epigraphs enhance the reader's understanding of his poetry?
  • Ezra Pound's use of epigraphs enriches his poetry by establishing connections with classical texts and inviting readers to explore deeper themes. By placing significant quotations at the beginning of his works, Pound encourages readers to reflect on how these excerpts relate to his own ideas. This intertextual approach not only highlights the influence of past literature on Pound's writing but also frames the reader’s interpretation of his contemporary themes.
• Analyze how an epigraph can set the tone for a literary work and provide an example from Pound's writings.
  • An epigraph can set the tone for a literary work by foreshadowing its themes and mood. For example, in Ezra Pound's poem 'The Cantos', he includes epigraphs that reference historical figures and events, creating an atmosphere of gravitas and significance. This choice of quotations not only prepares the reader for the complex narratives that follow but also establishes a reflective tone that encourages engagement with both the past and present.
• Evaluate the role of epigraphs in connecting modernist literature to classical traditions, specifically in relation to Ezra Pound's techniques.
  • Epigraphs play a crucial role in bridging modernist literature with classical traditions, particularly in Ezra Pound's works. By incorporating quotations from ancient texts, Pound positions his modern poetry within a broader literary context that acknowledges historical influences. This technique allows him to engage with timeless themes while also innovating new forms and styles. As a result, readers are invited to reconsider the relevance of classical ideas in contemporary society, showcasing how modernist writers like Pound navigate their artistic heritage.

Related terms

Allusion: A reference to another work of literature, person, or event, which enriches the meaning of the text and connects it to broader themes.

Prologue: An introductory section of a literary work that sets the scene for the main narrative, providing context and background information.

Theme: The central topic or underlying message within a literary work, often explored through characters, plot, and imagery.