Epilogue
A concluding section of a literary work, often set in the future.
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An epilogue (or epilog) is a concluding section of a literary work, typically used to bring closure to the story. Derived from the Greek ἐπίλογος (epílogos, 'conclusion'), it is presented from within the story's perspective, as opposed to an afterword where the author speaks directly to the reader. Epilogues often take place after the main story has ended, serving to satisfy curiosity, cover loose ends, or hint at a sequel. The term first appeared in the 15th century, with the Oxford English Dictionary’s earliest citation from 1564 referring to an epilogue as the “full conclusion” of a work. Before that, printer William Caxton used the term “epylogacion” in 1474, though “conclusion” remained more common. The first printed dramatic epilogue appeared in John Phillip’s *The Play of Patient and Meek Grissell* (1569), while non-dramatic uses existed earlier, such as in Turbervile’s *Epitaphs* (1566). In medieval plays, the word could describe the end of speeches, often hinting at later works, unlike the choral endings of most Greek plays or the epilogues of early modern and Ancient Roman playwrights. American author Henry James described the epilogue as a place distributing final “prizes, pensions, husbands, wives, babies, millions, appended paragraphs and cheerful remarks.” Critic Pat Rogers called it a “Parthian Dart,” noting its potential to feel excessive due to a shift in tense and tempo that rapidly advances time. Epilogues traditionally employ “topoi,” a metaphor from Aristotle for constructing arguments. In literature, they may reveal characters’ fates, occur long after the main plot, or allow a character to speak freely. For example, Margaret Atwood’s *The Handmaid’s Tale* uses an epilogue set in 2195 as a symposium transcript, while George Orwell’s *Animal Farm* shows a utopic ending years after the revolution. In horror, an epilogue can suggest a lingering threat; in children’s fantasy, it often provides a reassuring, happy ending, as seen in the *Harry Potter* series. In Greek and Elizabethan plays, an actor would address the audience directly, offering a moral lesson after tragic events.
- first_known_use
- 15th century
- field
- Literature, drama, opera
- opposite
- Prologue
Lore & Background
An epilogue is a concluding section of a literary work, derived from the Greek *epilogos* (meaning "conclusion," from *epi*, "in addition," and *logos*, "word"). It is presented from within the story’s perspective, typically set in the future after the main plot has ended, and is used to bring closure, satisfy the reader’s curiosity, or cover loose ends. In some genres, such as television and video games, it is called an "outro," patterned on "intro" for introduction. The first known use of the word in English was in the 15th century; the Oxford English Dictionary’s first citation is from 1564, though a 1474 term, "epylogacion," was not widely adopted. The first printed dramatic epilogue appeared in John Phillip’s *The Play of Patient and Meek Grissell* (1569). In literature, an epilogue can reveal characters’ fates, hint at a sequel, or feature scenes tangentially related to the story. It may continue the same narrative style or differ drastically. In Greek and Elizabethan plays, an actor would speak directly to the audience, often providing a moral lesson or showing contentment after tragedy. Author Henry James described it as distributing final "prizes, pensions, husbands, wives, babies, millions," while Pat Rogers noted its potential for a "shift in tense" and "accelerando" that moves rapidly over years. The opposite of an epilogue is a prologue, which opens a work.
Reader's Guide
Epilogues serve multiple functions across genres. In horror and suspense novels, epilogues can suggest an ongoing threat, adding to the mystery. In children's fantasy, such as the Harry Potter series, they provide a reassuring, happy ending. In Elizabethan plays, an actor would speak directly to the audience, often delivering a moral lesson or showing contentment after tragedy. Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet uses the epilogue to provide a moral takeaway, while As You Like It ends with Rosalind's contented speech. Epilogues in Roman plays, such as those by Plautus and Terence, often end with pleas for applause, involving the audience and smoothly transitioning them out of the performance. In opera, epilogues are rare because commenting on past action is inherently undramatic, though examples exist in Stravinsky's The Rake's Progress and Offenbach's works.
Did You Know?
- The first known use of the word 'epilogue' was in the 15th century.
- In Roman plays, epilogues often consisted of pleas for applause, as seen in several of Plautus's comedies.
Gallery
Frequently Asked Questions
What is an epilogue in narrative structure?
An epilogue is a closing section of a literary work that provides resolution or a sense of finality to the story. The term comes from the Greek word meaning 'conclusion,' and it is delivered from within the story's own perspective rather than from the author's voice.
How does an epilogue differ from an afterword?
An epilogue remains inside the fictional world, speaking from the story's own point of view, while an afterword breaks that frame so the author can address the reader directly. In practice, an epilogue feels like a final scene of the narrative, whereas an afterword is a meta-commentary outside it.
What is the structural opposite of an epilogue?
The prologue is its direct counterpart, opening a work rather than closing it. Together they bookend a narrative: the prologue sets the stage, and the epilogue wraps things up.
What narrative purposes does an epilogue typically serve?
Epilogues commonly tie up loose threads, reveal what became of characters after the main plot, or hint at a possible sequel. They often shift the timeline forward, giving readers a glimpse of the world after the story's central conflict has resolved.
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