An epilogue is a short concluding section of a poem, typically used to provide closure or reflection on the poem's themes and ideas. When writing an epilogue for a poem, it can be helpful to consider the following strategies:
Summary: Provide a brief summary of the poem's main ideas or themes. This can be a helpful way to remind the reader of the poem's central message and to provide a starting point for the epilogue's discussion.
Reflection: Offer personal reflections on the poem's themes and ideas. This can include your own thoughts, feelings, or interpretations of the poem. Share what the poem means to you.
Connection: Connect the poem's themes to broader ideas or experiences. This could involve linking the poem to personal anecdotes, historical events, or cultural contexts.
Closure: Provide a sense of closure or resolution to the poem. This can be done through a final thought, an image, or a brief summary that ties the poem together and leaves the reader with a lasting impression.
Examples of Epilogues on Poetry
Here are some examples of epilogues on poetry that illustrate these strategies:
Example 1: Summary and Reflection
In "The Road Not Taken," Robert Frost explores the theme of choice and the importance of taking risks. The poem's speaker reflects on two paths diverging in a yellow wood, and he chooses the path that is less traveled, though it is also more difficult. The epilogue could summarize these ideas and offer personal reflections on the importance of making difficult choices and staying true to one's own path.
Example 2: Connection to Personal Experience
In "I Wandered Lonely as a Cloud," William Wordsworth captures the beauty of nature and its ability to inspire awe and wonder. The epilogue could connect the poem's themes to the author's own experiences with nature, describing a specific time when the natural world brought them a sense of peace or wonder.
Example 3: Closure and Final Thought
In "Stopping by Woods on a Snowy Evening," Robert Frost contemplates the beauty of a snowy landscape and the tension between the allure of nature and the responsibilities of everyday life. The epilogue could provide closure by reflecting on the speaker's decision to continue on his journey, while also leaving the reader with a final thought about the fleeting nature of beauty and the importance of appreciating the present moment.
By incorporating strategies such as summary, reflection, connection, and closure, you can write an epilogue that effectively concludes your poem and leaves the reader with a lasting impression.