Epigram - Definition, Uses and Examples

Lesson Overview

• What Is an Epigram?
• How to Use Epigram In A sentence
• How to Identify Epigram In A sentence
• Difference Between Epigrams and Epigraphs
• Epigram Assessment

Think of a short, witty saying that sticks in the mind. Something like Oscar Wilde's "I can resist everything except temptation." 

This is an example of an epigram, a literary device that packs a punch in just a few words. Epigrams can be witty, insightful, or thought-provoking, leaving a lasting impression on the reader. 

What Is an Epigram?

An epigram is a brief, interesting, memorable, and surprising or satirical statement. It's a rhetorical device that expresses a single thought or observation in a concise and witty manner. Epigrams are found in various forms of literature, from poetry and prose to inscriptions and epitaphs.

Key Characteristics:

• Epigrams are short and to the point, conveying a complete idea in a few words.
• They often employ wordplay, humor, or irony to create a memorable effect.
• Epigrams often have a sharp, insightful quality that makes them stick in the reader's mind.
• Many epigrams end with a twist, a surprising turn of phrase, or a satirical jab that adds to their impact.

Epigram Example:

• "Some cause happiness wherever they go; others whenever they go." - Oscar Wilde

How to Use Epigram In A sentence

Epigrams can be powerful tools to enhance your writing and communication. Here's how to use an epigram in a sentence - 

1. Understand the Purpose

• Epigrams can emphasize a point by stating it concisely and memorably.
• They can add wit and humor to your writing, making it more engaging.  
• Epigrams can be used to make satirical or critical observations about society or human nature.  
• They can create a sense of closure, impact, or lingering thought in literary works.
  

2. Choose the Right Context

• Epigrams can be effective in formal writing, such as essays or speeches, to add weight and authority to your arguments.  
• They can also be used in informal writing, such as personal essays or social media posts, to add humor or personality.
• Epigrams are often found in poetry, prose, and drama, where they can serve as memorable lines or thematic statements. 
  

3. Craft the Epigram

• Keep it concise and to the point. An epigram should ideally be no more than a sentence or two.
• Employ clever wordplay, paradoxes, or antithesis to create a memorable and impactful statement.
• Consider ending with a twist or surprising observation to leave a lasting impression.
• Ensure that the epigram is relevant to the surrounding text and contributes to the overall message.
  

4. Integrate the Epigram into Your Sentence

• An epigram can stand alone as a complete sentence.

Example: "Brevity is the soul of wit."

• It can be integrated into a larger sentence, often introduced with a colon or dash.

Example: "The speaker concluded with a powerful epigram: 'The only way to get rid of temptation is to yield to it.'"

• If using a well-known epigram, attribute it to the original author.

Example: As Oscar Wilde famously said, "I can resist everything except temptation."

How to Identify Epigram In A sentence

Developing the ability to identify epigrams enhances your understanding of the language. Here are some key strategies to help you recognize epigrams:  

• Look for Brevity: Epigrams are characteristically short and to the point. They convey a complete thought or observation in a concise manner, often within a single sentence.

Example: "The truth is rarely pure and never simple." - Oscar Wilde

• Identify Wit and Cleverness: Epigrams often employ wordplay, humor, or irony to create a memorable effect.

Example: "I have nothing to declare except my genius." - Oscar Wilde

• Consider the Structure: Epigrams often exhibit a balanced or parallel structure, creating a sense of symmetry and emphasis.

Example: "To live is the rarest thing in the world. Most people exist, that is all." - Oscar Wilde

• Assess the Impact: Epigrams are designed to be memorable and thought-provoking.

Example: "There are only two tragedies in life: one is not getting what one wants, and the other is getting it." - Oscar Wilde

• Discern the Tone: Epigrams can convey a variety of tones, from humorous and lighthearted to serious and profound.

Example: "Experience is simply the name we give our mistakes." - Oscar Wilde

• Analyze the Context: The context in which a statement appears can provide clues about whether it's an epigram.

Example: In a play, a character might deliver a witty one-liner that encapsulates a theme or provides social commentary.

• Distinguish from Aphorisms: While both are concise and memorable sayings, epigrams tend to be more witty and satirical, while aphorisms often express general truths or moral principles.

Example: "The early bird gets the worm" is an aphorism. "I am so clever that sometimes I don't understand a single word of what I am saying" is an epigram (Oscar Wilde).

Difference Between Epigrams and Epigraphs

It's easy to confuse "epigram" and "epigraph," as they sound very similar! Here's how they are different:

Epigram Assessment

Read each statement carefully and determine whether it is an epigram. If it is, write "Yes." If it is not, write "No."

1. "The only way to get rid of temptation is to yield to it." - Oscar Wilde
2. "Be the change you wish to see in the world." - Mahatma Gandhi
3. "Early to bed and early to rise makes a man healthy, wealthy, and wise." - Benjamin Franklin
4. "I have nothing to declare except my genius." - Oscar Wilde
5. "Life is what happens when you're busy making other plans." - John Lennon
6. "To err is human, to forgive divine." - Alexander Pope
7. "A penny saved is a penny earned." - Benjamin Franklin
8. "The greatest glory in living lies not in never falling, but in rising every time we fall." - Nelson Mandela
9. "If you can't explain it simply, you don't understand it well enough." - Albert Einstein
10. "I am so clever that sometimes I don't understand a single word of what I am saying." - Oscar Wilde
11. "There are only two tragedies in life: one is not getting what one wants, and the other is getting it." - Oscar Wilde
12. "The truth is rarely pure and never simple." - Oscar Wilde
13. "Some cause happiness wherever they go; others whenever they go." - Oscar Wilde
14. "I'm not young enough to know everything." - Oscar Wilde
15. "Experience is simply the name we give our mistakes." - Oscar Wilde
    

Answers:

1. Yes
2. No (This is an aphorism)
3. No (This is an aphorism)
4. Yes
5. No (This is an aphorism)
6. Yes
7. No (This is an aphorism)
8. No (This is an aphorism)
9. No (This is an aphorism)
10. Yes
11. Yes
12. Yes
13. Yes
14. Yes
15. Yes