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Epilogue Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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epilogue

[หˆษ›pษชlษ’g ]

Definition

Context #1 | Noun

literary work

An epilogue is a section at the end of a literary work that serves as a comment on or a conclusion to what has happened. It often provides closure to the story and gives insight into the characters' futures. Epilogues can also summarize the main themes or lessons of the work.

Synonyms

addendum, afterword, conclusion, postscript.

Examples of usage

  • The author wrote an epilogue that revealed the characters' lives years after the story ended.
  • In her novel, the epilogue provided a touching moment of reflection.
  • The play concluded with a brief epilogue that offered a moral lesson.
  • Readers were pleased to find an epilogue that tied up loose ends in the plot.

Translations

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Interesting Facts

Literature

  • Famous works like 'The Great Gatsby' feature an epilogue that adds depth to the storyโ€™s themes and character arcs.
  • Authors often use epilogues to tie up loose ends or to give readers a glimpse into characters' futures.
  • Dramatic epilogues in plays can provide commentary or a moral lesson related to the story.

Film and Television

  • Movies often include epilogues to show what happens to characters after the main events, like in 'The Lord of the Rings'.
  • In TV shows, an epilogue can serve as a final moment that encapsulates the show's message or leaves a lasting impression.
  • The use of epilogues in cinematic adaptations helps bridge the gap between the source material and a new audience.

Cultural Significance

  • In many cultures, stories are traditionally concluded with some form of an epilogue to provide closure.
  • Epilogues can vary significantly; some are serious, while others can be humorous or reflective.
  • In oral storytelling, an epilogue often includes a call to action or moral takeaway for the audience.

Psychology

  • Reading an epilogue can affect how readers feel about the ending of the story, sometimes providing a sense of completion.
  • Epilogues can help in the processing of emotions by giving context to characters' journeys and growth.
  • They can also influence how memorable the story is, as readers often recall the final moments vividly.

Origin of 'epilogue'

Main points about word origin

  • The word 'epilogue' comes from the Greek 'epilogos', meaning 'concluding word'.
  • It is related to words like 'prologue', which means 'before the word' and introduces a story.
  • The concept of an epilogue has been used in literature for over two millennia, indicating how stories were wrapped up in ancient texts.

The word 'epilogue' originates from the Greek term 'epilogos', which means 'to say or speak afterward'. The prefix 'epi-' means 'upon' or 'after', and 'logos' means 'word' or 'speech'. This term evolved through the Latin 'epilogus' before entering Middle English. Historically, epilogues served a significant role in Greek and Roman drama, where they were often used by characters to address the audience directly and comment on the storyโ€™s events or themes. In literature, epilogues have maintained their purpose as a narrative device that helps to reflect and conclude the narrative. They remain a popular feature in novels and plays, providing readers and audiences a final insight into the story after the climax has concluded.

Word Frequency Rank

Positioned at #21,720, this word is part of extensive vocabulary. It's relatively rare in general usage but may be important in specific fields or formal writing.