Epigram

Definition of Epigram
Epigram could be a device that's a memorable, brief, fascinating, and stunning sarcastic statement. It originated from the Greek word epigramma, which means “inscription,” or “to inscribe.” Often ingenious or humorous statements are considered as expressions, corresponding to this quote by Eleanor Roosevelt:

“No one will cause you to feel inferior while not your consent.”

Oscar author used an epigram during this quote:

“As long as war is considered wicked, it'll forever have its fascination. once it's looked upon as vulgar, it will stop to be popular.”

Both of those epigrams aren't solely interesting and brief, however additionally satirical. the primary one is concerning the sense of inferiority, whereas the other is about war.

This literary device is usually utilized in poetry, wherever it seems as a brief satirical poem with a single subject, finishing in a creative or humorous thought. Poets like Alexander Pope, John Donne, William Shakespeare, ANd Samuel Taylor Coleridge standardized expression as a literary device throughout the sixteenth through eighteenth centuries. Jane Wilde, an Irish poet, believed that epigrams were far better than an eristical speech.

Common Use of Epigram
Below are some popular samples of epigram used in common speech:

“Mankind should place an end to war, or war can put and end to mankind.” – John pure Kennedy
“If we don’t finish war, war will end us.” – G. Wells
“It is healthier to lightweight a candle than curse the darkness.” – Eleanor Roosevelt
“A word to the wise ain’t necessary; it’s the stupid ones who want all the advice.” – Bill Cosby
“Live merely, in order that others might simply live.” – Mother Teresa
“I’m beginning with the person within the mirror.” – Michael Jackson
“This is that the moment once we should close to avoid wasting this planet. allow us to resolve that we are going to not leave our kids a world wherever the oceans rise and famine spreads and terrible storms devastate our lands.” – Barack Obama
“Blessed are the peacemakers.” – Jesus Christ
Examples of expression in Literature
Example #1: Auguries of Innocence (By William Blake)
“To see a world {in a|during a|in AN exceedingly|in a terribly} grain of sand,And a heaven in a wild flower,Hold eternity within the palm of your hand,And eternity in an hour.”

Blake wrote writerry concerning his existential and spiritual ideas throughout his times. The higher than quotation, from Auguries of Innocence, became very popular. The literary work is filled with punch lines, and therefore the poet has arranged nice stress on the concept.

Example #2: Sonnet 76 (By William Shakespeare)
“So all my best is dressing previous words new,Spending once more what's already spent:For because the sun is daily new and old,So is my love still telling what's told.”

These four lines of a sonnet by Shakspere are a decent example of AN epigram. The writer refers to concepts and things at the same time as each new and old. He tries to mention that he has spent something, that he already has done. he's doing this to specific confusion with a lover, and additionally shows his feelings of need for sexuality.

Example #3: The image of Dorian Gray (By Oscar Wilde)
“There is barely one factor within the world worse than being talked about, which isn't being talked about.”

“Women are an ornamental sex. They ne'er have something to say, however they assert it charmingly.”

“There {is no|is not ANy|isn't any} such factor as a moral or an immoral book. Books are we tend toll written, or badly written. that's all.”

Oscar author was one in every of the foremost standard and masterly writers for victimization epigrams. This novel is crammed with variety of epigrams, and here we've got 3 outstanding examples.

Example #4: Hero and Leander (By­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­ John Donne)
“Both robb’d of air, we each dwell one groundBoth whom one fireplace had burnt, one water drown’d.”

This could be a ideal of epigram. whereas we cannot see any apparent humor, the contradiction is clearly visible in however 2 individuals might die with water and fire both. Therefore, the literary work has some sarcastic functions bound up in barely 2 humorous lines.

Function of Epigram
Epigram could be a clever and witty statement expressed in just many lines, commenting foibles and truths of mankind. this can be quite common in poetry, however we tend to additionally realize it in prose, film, fiction writing, politics, and everyday speech. Epigrams serve identical purpose as do maxims and proverbs. However, the most purpose of victimization such statements is to go away a positive impression on the audience, as they demonstrate pure humor as well as wisdom. Besides, writers use this literary device to cause listeners and readers to think deeply concerning their statements.

Epic Epigraph