What is an Epigraph? Definition and Examples

Some of the most memorable moments in literature happen before the story even starts. An epigraph can linger in a reader’s mind long after they’ve finished the final page. Though brief and often borrowed, epigraphs do quiet but important work, shaping how readers approach the story that follows.

Many new writers are intrigued by this literary device but unsure how to use it effectively. So what exactly is an epigraph, and how do you choose the right one? In this post, we’ll explore what epigraphs are, why authors use them, the different forms they can take, and how you can choose one that elevates your own fiction.

What is an epigraph?

An epigraph is a short quotation, phrase, poem excerpt, or saying that appears at the beginning of a book, a section, or a chapter. It is not written by the author of the main text (unless intentionally invented) and is typically attributed to its source. These quotations or sayings are most often placed at the beginning of the book, after the title page and before the main text.

Historically, "epigraph" referred to an inscription carved into buildings or monuments. In literature, the term evolved to describe inscriptions placed at the threshold of a text—words that frame what's to come.

These are often confused with other elements of front matter, but they serve a distinct purpose. An epigraph is not the same as an epitaph, which is an inscription on a tombstone. It is also different from a prologue, which is original narrative text, and from a dedication, which honors a person rather than setting thematic expectations.

An epigraph may appear once at the beginning of the entire book, or at the start of individual chapters. In either case, it signals that the quotation is meant to be read in conversation with the story, not as decoration. The format of an epigraph sets it visually apart from the main text.

A classic example appears in The Sun Also Rises by Ernest Hemingway, which opens with two epigraphs:

"You are all a lost generation."

—Gertrude Stein in conversation

“One generation passeth away, and another generation cometh; but the earth abideth forever.⁠ ⁠… The sun also ariseth, and the sun goeth down, and hasteth to the place where he arose.⁠ ⁠… The wind goeth toward the south, and turneth about unto the north; it whirleth about continually, and the wind returneth again according to his circuits.⁠ ⁠… All the rivers run into the sea; yet the sea is not full; unto the place from whence the rivers come, thither they return again.”

—Ecclesiastes

Together, they frame the novel’s themes of disillusionment and cyclical existence before the story even begins.

What is the purpose of an epigraph?

Epigraphs are optional and are best used with intention. The purpose of an epigraph is to deepen the reader’s understanding of the story before it begins. Effective epigraphs create resonance that grows stronger as the book progresses, encouraging readers to reflect on it after they’ve finished.

Set the tone or mood

One of the most common reasons to use an epigraph is to set the tone before the narrative voice takes over. Epigraphs often help readers know what to expect.

In The Handmaid’s Tale, Margaret Atwood uses three epigraphs (a passage from Genesis, a quote by Jonathan Swift, and a Sufi proverb) to create an ominous tone before the first chapter even begins.

Introduce themes

Epigraphs are also an elegant way to introduce the theme of the book without explanation. A well-chosen passage gives readers a lens through which to interpret the events of the narrative. Often, readers return to the epigraph after finishing the book with new appreciation for its meaning!

For example, F. Scott Fitzgerald's The Great Gatsby begins with a poem attributed to the fictional poet Thomas Parke D’Invilliers (a character written by Fitzgerald himself) that encapsulates Gatsby’s motivations:

Then wear the gold hat, if that will move her;

If you can bounce high, bounce for her too,

Till she cry “Lover, gold-hatted, high-bouncing lover,

I must have you!”

The poem resonates more deeply as the reader comes to understand the cost of those desires.

Create dialogue with other works

Using quotes from other works allows your story to enter a conversation with other literary works and traditions, especially if they inspired the title of your own work.

One example is Rebecca Makkai's novel The Great Believers, which begins with the following passages:

"We were the great believers.

I have never cared for any men as much as for these who felt the first springs when I did, and saw death ahead, and were reprieved— and who now walk the long stormy summer."

—F. Scott Fitzgerald, "My Generation"

"the world is a wonder, but the portions are small"

— Rebecca Hazelton, "Slash Fiction"

These quotes connect Makkai's story about the 1980s AIDs epidemic to Fitzgerald's experiences with the Lost Generation of the 1920s, and reinforce the novel's themes of both loss and resilience.

Foreshadow events

Epigraphs can subtly foreshadow key plot developments without spoiling them. The meaning of the epigraph often becomes clear only later in the book, creating a satisfying “aha” moment.

Epigraph examples

Epigraphs come from many sources, and the use of epigraphs signals something about your book’s influences and ambitions.

Literary quotes

The most common type of epigraph draws from poems, novels, essays, or plays. Literary quotations position your book within a broader tradition and connect it to other works of literature.

Religious or philosophical texts

Biblical passages, philosophical treatises, or spiritual writings add gravity and universality—even in secular fiction or nonfiction.

Song lyrics and poetry

Song lyrics and poetry can be emotionally powerful, but they often come with copyright restrictions. Always verify whether a quote is in the public domain before using it.

You can even use folk songs and rhymes. For example, this quote is found at the beginning of Ken Kesey's novel One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest:

...one flew east, one flew west,

One flew over the cuckoo's nest.

— Children's folk rhyme

Fictional or invented epigraphs

Some authors invent epigraphs from fictional texts. In Dune, Frank Herbert uses epigraphs attributed to Princess Irulan, creating the sense of a vast historical record. These quotes come from imaginary histories, but they feel authoritative and immersive.

Historical documents

Passages from speeches, letters, or documents are especially effective in historical fiction or a history book.

How to use an epigraph

Choosing an epigraph should come late in the drafting process. Your book needs to be substantially complete before you can understand the relationship between the epigraph and the story as a whole.

Start with your themes

Ask yourself what your book explores beneath the surface. What questions are you asking in the narrative? What lessons do your characters learn? These answers point to the overall theme of your book and will guide you when you want to use an epigraph.

Consider your tone and genre

The epigraph should match your genre and reader expectations. A literary novel might use poetry, while a thriller might use a chilling statement. This applies equally to fiction and nonfiction; a nonfiction book still benefits from tone alignment.

Look for resonance, not summary

A good epigraph doesn’t explain the book; it echoes it. Avoid being too obvious. A well-chosen epigraph invites interpretation rather than spelling everything out.

Verify copyright and attribution

There are lots of misattributions of famous quotes floating around online. So do your research to make sure your epigraph is properly attributed to the correct author.  Also, if the quotation isn’t public domain, you may need permission to use it. Song lyrics, in particular, may be difficult and expensive to license. You can often use small snippets of song lyrics and copyrighted work under Fair Use, but when in doubt, consult your publisher or legal advisor.

Common mistakes to avoid

One common mistake is choosing an epigraph too early. Writers sometimes fall in love with a quotation before the book’s themes have fully solidified. If your story changes during revision, that early epigraph may no longer fit. Let the epigraph emerge from the finished manuscript rather than imposing it on the work.

Another pitfall is being too on-the-nose. An epigraph that explicitly states your theme adds little value and can feel like an authorial explanation. Trust readers to make connections on their own.

Overusing chapter epigraphs is another risk. While some books use them effectively, they can become exhausting if each one doesn’t earn its place. Quality matters more than quantity.

Finally, ignoring legal requirements can have real consequences for publication timelines and costs. Copyright issues are not theoretical! Be sure you're including an epigraph you can legally use.

Ready to choose your epigraph?

Epigraphs have the power to set tone, introduce theme, and create resonance that echoes throughout a story. When chosen with care, they can elevate a good book into a memorable one.

If you’re considering an epigraph, wait until your manuscript is largely complete. Identify your core themes, look for quotations that evoke rather than explain, and remember that epigraphs are optional! Not every book needs one, and if you can’t find the right words, your opening chapter can—and should—do the work on its own.

Used thoughtfully, an epigraph is an invitation to the reader: a quiet promise about the story they are about to enter.