Epistle: A Literary Device

Etymology of Epistle

The term “epistle” traces its etymological roots to ancient Greek and Latin.

In Greek, it is derived from the word “epistolē” (ἐπιστολή), which means a letter or message. The Greek term, in turn, is linked to “epistellō” (ἐπιστέλλω), meaning “to send a message” or “to send to.”

The Latin counterpart, “epistola,” is similarly used to denote a letter or written communication. In the context of literature and communication, “epistle” has come to represent a formal or literary letter, often used in religious or philosophical texts as a means of conveying thoughts, teachings, or messages in a written form.

This evolution underscores its association with written correspondence and its significance in various forms of written discourse, including religious scriptures, philosophical treatises, and personal letters.

Meanings of Epistle

Aspect	Meanings
Formal Letter	Formal, purposeful letters in religious or philosophical contexts.
Literary Genre	A genre in literature using letters to create authenticity and direct address.
Religious Texts	Letters in religious texts (e.g., the New Testament) offering guidance and teachings.
Philosophical Discourse	Philosophers’ use of letters (e.g., Seneca’s “Letters to Lucilius”) to convey ideas.
Personal Communication	Personal letters revealing lives, emotions, and experiences.
Didactic Function	Letters serving an instructive and persuasive role, imparting knowledge or moral lessons.
Epistolary Novels	Novels structured as a series of letters or correspondence between characters.

Definition of Epistle

An epistle, as a literary device, refers to a written composition in the form of a letter or a written message. It serves as a distinct mode of communication within literature, often adopting a formal or stylized structure resembling real letters.

Epistles are utilized by authors to convey specific content, ideas, or narratives, offering a unique narrative perspective and creating a sense of authenticity or direct address, thus enhancing the depth and engagement of the literary work.

Types of Epistles

Type	Detail
Religious Epistles	Letters or writings with religious significance, often found in sacred texts. Examples include Saint Paul’s Epistles in the New Testament, offering guidance and teachings to early Christian communities.
Philosophical Epistles	Philosophical letters where philosophers use the epistolary form to convey their philosophical ideas and principles. Notable instances include Seneca’s “Letters to Lucilius,” exploring Stoic philosophy through correspondence.
Personal Letters	Personal correspondences exchanged between individuals, reflecting their thoughts, emotions, and experiences. While not necessarily literary works, personal letters offer valuable insights into the lives of historical figures or individuals.
Didactic Epistles	Letters with an instructive or moralizing function, imparting knowledge, moral lessons, or guidance to the recipient or reader, often with a persuasive tone.
Epistolary Novels	Narratives composed of letters or correspondence between characters. This format allows readers to gain insights into characters’ inner thoughts and experiences, providing a unique storytelling approach.
Literary Epistles	Epistles used as a literary device within works. This can include letters that characters exchange or letters written by the author, offering commentary or additional context for the narrative.
Love Letters	Subcategory of personal letters, often expressing romantic feelings and emotions. Love letters are a common theme in literature, evoking sentiments of love and longing.

Common Examples of Epistles

Type	Explanation
Religious Epistles	– Letters of Saint Paul: The New Testament of the Christian Bible contains several epistles written by Saint Paul to various early Christian communities. Examples include the Epistle to the Romans and the Epistle to the Corinthians.
Philosophical Epistles	– Letters to a Friend by Cicero: The Roman statesman and philosopher Cicero wrote numerous letters to his friends and acquaintances, offering advice and discussing philosophical ideas.
Literary Epistles	– “The Screwtape Letters” by C.S. Lewis: This is a satirical work in which a senior demon, Screwtape, writes letters to his nephew, Wormwood, advising him on how to tempt a human soul.
Historical Epistles	– “Letters from a Stoic” by Seneca: These are a collection of moral epistles written by the Stoic philosopher Seneca, addressing various aspects of ethics and personal development.
Personal Correspondence	– Letters between family members, friends, or acquaintances can also be considered epistles. These can cover a wide range of topics and emotions, from love letters to letters of condolence.
Political Epistles	– Leaders and politicians have often written letters to communicate their views, strategies, and decisions. These can include letters from heads of state, diplomats, or political leaders to each other.
Business and Professional Correspondence	– Letters exchanged in the business world, including formal letters, job application cover letters, and recommendation letters, can also be considered epistolary forms of communication.
Epistolary Novels	– Some novels are written in the form of letters exchanged between characters, creating a unique narrative style. An example is “Dracula” by Bram Stoker, which is composed of letters, diary entries, and other documents.
Fan Mail and Celebrity Responses	– Letters from fans to celebrities or public figures and their responses can also be considered epistles. Often, these are personal expressions of admiration or appreciation.
Educational Letters	– Teachers or educators may write letters to their students or apprentices to provide guidance, feedback, or encouragement.

Literary Examples of Epistles

1. The Color Purple by Alice Walker
   • Features:
     • The novel is written in an epistolary format, composed of letters, mostly written by the main character, Celie, to God.
     • The letters serve as a form of diary and are Celie’s way of coping with the trauma and abuse she faces.
     • The epistles provide a first-person, intimate perspective on Celie’s life and her personal growth.
2. Frankenstein by Mary Shelley
   • Features:
     • The novel includes letters written by Captain Walton to his sister as he recounts his journey and the story of Victor Frankenstein.
     • These letters serve as a framing device for the main narrative and add an epistolary element to the novel.
     • They provide a sense of realism and context for the reader.
3. 84, Charing Cross Road by Helene Hanff
   • Features:
     • This is an epistolary memoir consisting of letters exchanged between the author, Helene Hanff, and a London bookseller over several decades.
     • The letters document their growing friendship, shared love of literature, and the exchange of books.
     • The book captures the charm of a long-distance, literary friendship through letters.
4. Dracula by Bram Stoker
   • Features:
     • The novel is composed of a collection of letters, diary entries, newspaper articles, and other documents.
     • These documents are written by different characters in the story, offering multiple perspectives on the events surrounding Dracula.
     • The epistolary style adds a sense of authenticity and immediacy to the narrative.
5. The Perks of Being a Wallflower by Stephen Chbosky
   • Features:
     • The novel is written in the form of letters from the protagonist, Charlie, to an anonymous friend.
     • Charlie uses the letters as a way to process his thoughts and experiences as he navigates the challenges of adolescence.
     • The epistolary style provides an intimate look into Charlie’s mind and emotions.

These literary examples of epistles demonstrate the versatility of the epistolary format in conveying personal experiences, emotions, and narratives. Epistolary literature often offers readers a unique and intimate connection with the characters and their stories through the direct voice of the letter writers.

Epistle in Literary Theory

Literary Theory	Relevance in Analyzing an Epistle
Formalism / New Criticism	– Formalism focuses on the intrinsic qualities of the text, emphasizing its form, structure, and literary devices. – In critiquing an epistle using this theory, you would analyze the letter’s structure, salutation, body, and closing. – Examine the language used, such as metaphor and symbolism. – Consider how form and language contribute to the overall meaning and impact of the epistle.
Reader-Response Theory	– Reader-Response theory highlights the role of the reader in interpreting a text. – Analyze how different readers may respond to the epistle based on their background, experiences, and cultural context. – Discuss the emotional and intellectual responses evoked by the letter and how these shape the text’s meaning.
Feminist Theory	– Feminist literary theory explores gender and power dynamics in literature. – Critique an epistle from a feminist perspective by examining gender roles and power dynamics in the text. – Analyze how the author’s and characters’ gender identities affect the letter’s content and tone. – Consider how the epistle addresses patriarchy, gender inequality, or women’s empowerment.
Marxist Theory	– Marxist literary theory focuses on socio-economic and class structures in literature. – Explore how social class and economic factors are depicted or implied in the epistle. – Analyze whether the letter reflects class struggles, power imbalances, or economic disparities. – Consider how the epistle challenges or reinforces dominant social and economic ideologies.

These four literary theories offer different lenses through which to analyze an epistle, providing unique insights into the text’s form, reader interaction, gender and power dynamics, and socio-economic context. Each approach deepens our understanding of the epistle’s meaning and significance.

Suggested Readings

Literary Works:

1. Hanff, Helene. 84, Charing Cross Road. Penguin Books, 1990.
2. Shelley, Mary. Frankenstein. Edited by J. Paul Hunter, W. W. Norton & Company, 2012.
3. Stoker, Bram. Dracula. Edited by Nina Auerbach and David J. Skal, W. W. Norton & Company, 1997.
4. Walker, Alice. The Color Purple. Harcourt Brace Jovanovich, 1982.
5. Chbosky, Stephen. The Perks of Being a Wallflower. Pocket Books, 1999.

Critical and Theoretical Texts:

• Covi, Giovanna. “Epistolary Literature.” The Oxford Handbook of the Eighteenth-Century Novel, edited by J. A. Downie, Oxford University Press, 2016, pp. 417-431.
• Derrida, Jacques. The Post Card: From Socrates to Freud and Beyond. Translated by Alan Bass, University of Chicago Press, 1987.
• Genette, Gérard. Paratexts: Thresholds of Interpretation. Translated by Jane E. Lewin, Cambridge University Press, 1997.
• Sutherland, John. “Epistolary Fiction.” The Cambridge Companion to the Eighteenth-Century Novel, edited by John Richetti, Cambridge University Press, 1996, pp. 215-235.