Introduction: Epitaphs in Literature
Epitaphs in literature are succinct and often poignant inscriptions that serve multifaceted roles within the realm of literary expression. These short texts can be found in a wide array of literary forms, including poetry, prose, and drama.
They are typically etched with great care and precision, encapsulating the essence of a character’s life, conveying a moral lesson, or evoking deep emotions. Epitaphs add depth and complexity to characters, imbuing them with a sense of mortality and the passage of time.
Whether found on tombstones within the narrative or interwoven into the text itself, epitaphs are a literary device that enriches storytelling, offering a means of honoring the dead, imparting wisdom, and heightening the emotional resonance of a work.
Poetic Epitaphs
- Robert Frost (1874-1963):
- “I had a lover’s quarrel with the world.”
- Emily Dickinson (1830-1886):
- “Call Back.”
- John Keats (1795-1821):
- “Here lies one whose name was writ in water.”
- Percy Bysshe Shelley (1792-1822):
- “Nothing of him that doth fade, but doth suffer a sea-change into something rich and strange.”
- W. B. Yeats (1865-1939):
- “Cast a cold Eye on Life, on Death. Horseman, pass by!”
These epitaphs, authored by famous poets, often provide insight into their unique perspectives on life, death, and the human experience. They remain enduring and thought-provoking expressions of their literary legacies.
Poetic Examples Suitable for Epitaphs
| Poet | Extract (Epitaph) | Evaluation of Epitaph |
| William Wordsworth | “Five years have past; five summers, with the length Of five long winters! and again I hear These waters, rolling from their mountain-springs With a soft inland murmur.” | Reflects the passage of time and the poet’s connection to nature and memory. |
| Thomas Gray | “Here rests his head upon the lap of Earth A youth to Fortune and to Fame unknown. Fair Science frowned not on his humble birth, And Melancholy marked him for her own.” | Contemplates life and anonymity of those buried in the churchyard. |
| Walt Whitman | “The proof of a poet shall be sternly deferr’d, till his country absorbs him as affectionately as he has absorb’d it.” | Reflects on the poet’s relationship with his nation. |
| W. B. Yeats | “Cast a cold Eye On Life, on Death. Horseman, pass by!” | Conveys a sense of finality and acceptance. |
| Geoffrey Chaucer | “Whan that Aprill with his shoures soote The droghte of March hath perced to the roote, And bathed every veyne in swich licóur Of which vertú engendred is the flour…” | Describes the arrival of spring; serves as an epitaph in “The Canterbury Tales.” |
| Emily Dickinson | “One need not be a Chamber—to be Haunted— One need not be a House— The Brain has Corridors—surpassing Material Place.” | Contemplates the idea of haunting and the afterlife, a common theme in Dickinson’s work. |
These epitaphs within the context of literature provide a deeper layer of meaning and reflection, contributing to the themes and emotions of the respective works.
How to Write Epitaphs
- Reflection on the Deceased: Begin by reflecting on the life, character, and significant qualities of the deceased person. Consider what made them unique and memorable.
- Choose a Tone: Decide on the tone you want the epitaph to convey. It can be serious, solemn, humorous, or lighthearted, depending on the personality and wishes of the deceased or their loved ones.
- Be Concise and Poignant: Epitaphs are typically brief, so choose your words carefully. Aim for a concise, meaningful message that captures the essence of the individual.
- Consider Themes or Quotes: Incorporate themes, quotes, or phrases that hold personal significance to the deceased or their family. These can add depth and meaning to the epitaph.
- Review and Edit: After drafting the epitaph, review it for clarity and emotional impact. Make necessary edits to ensure it conveys the intended message effectively while respecting the space constraints of the memorial marker.
Benefits of Using Epitaphs
- Lasting Tribute: Epitaphs provide a lasting and tangible tribute to the memory of the deceased, ensuring that their legacy endures for generations to come.
- Emotional Expression: They offer a means to express deep emotions, such as love, respect, grief, and remembrance, providing comfort and closure to the bereaved.
- Personalization: Epitaphs can be highly personalized, reflecting the unique qualities, values, and achievements of the individual, making each memorial marker distinct.
- Storytelling: They can convey a narrative or a glimpse into the life of the deceased, enriching the understanding of their character and life journey.
- Cultural and Historical Significance: Epitaphs may hold cultural or historical significance, preserving traditions, beliefs, and insights from a particular time and place.
Epitaph in Literary Theory
- New Criticism:
- In New Criticism, epitaphs are examined as self-contained works of art. Critics analyze the language, imagery, and symbolism within the epitaph to uncover its intrinsic meaning and how it contributes to the overall thematic and emotional impact. For example, the analysis might focus on the choice of words and metaphors within an epitaph to reveal its deeper layers of meaning.
- Historical Criticism:
- In Historical Criticism, epitaphs are assessed in the context of the era in which they were created. Critics consider the cultural, social, and historical factors that influenced the writing of epitaphs. They may explore how epitaphs reflect the prevailing beliefs, values, and customs of their time, shedding light on the historical and cultural significance of the deceased.
- Feminist Criticism:
- Feminist Criticism of epitaphs examines the representation of gender and power dynamics within the text. Critics assess whether epitaphs perpetuate or challenge gender stereotypes, roles, and hierarchies. They also explore how epitaphs may give voice to women’s experiences and perspectives, especially in societies where women’s voices were traditionally marginalized.
- Reader-Response Criticism:
- In Reader-Response Criticism, the focus is on how readers engage with and interpret epitaphs. Critics consider how readers’ personal experiences, beliefs, and emotions shape their understanding of the epitaph. This approach recognizes that the meaning of an epitaph is not fixed but rather subject to the interpretation and emotional response of each individual reader.
Each of these literary theories offers a unique perspective for critiquing epitaphs, allowing scholars and critics to uncover various layers of meaning and significance within these concise yet powerful literary forms.
Suggested Readings
- Greenblatt, Stephen. Hamlet in Purgatory. Princeton University Press, 2001.
- Lopate, Phillip. The Art of the Personal Essay: An Anthology from the Classical Era to the Present. Anchor Books, 1995.
- Sofer, Andrew. The Stage Life of Props. University of Michigan Press, 2003.
- Smith, Sidonie. A Poetics of Women’s Autobiography: Marginality and the Fictions of Self-Representation. Indiana University Press, 1987.
