What is epigram?

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An epigram is a short, clever, and often witty poem or statement that expresses an idea in a brief and memorable way. It usually ends with a surprising or humorous twist. The word comes from the Greek term epigramma, meaning “inscription,” because early epigrams were often carved on monuments or tombs.

An epigram may be serious or humorous, but it always aims to be sharp, concise, and thought-provoking. Writers often use it to make moral, philosophical, or satirical points in just a few lines.

Key Features

  • Short and concise expression of thought.
  • Witty, satirical, or surprising ending.
  • Often written in verse but can also be a single sentence.
  • Expresses truth, observation, or criticism with humor or irony.

Famous Examples

  • Alexander Pope – “What mighty contests rise from trivial things.” (The Rape of the Lock)
  • Samuel Taylor Coleridge – “Swans sing before they die—’twere no bad thing / Should certain persons die before they sing.”
  • Oscar Wilde – “I can resist everything except temptation.”
  • John Donne and Ben Jonson also wrote many witty epigrams.

Importance in Literature

The epigram is important because it:

  • Shows how great meaning can be packed into few words.
  • Combines wisdom and humor effectively.
  • Reveals a writer’s skill with language and thought.
  • Has influenced modern forms like aphorisms, quotes, and proverbs.


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