Epigram

Definition

An epigram is a brief, witty, and often satirical statement or poem that conveys a clever thought or observation. It typically employs irony or paradox and has a punchy quality that makes it memorable. In both Restoration comedy and the works of Oscar Wilde, epigrams serve to critique societal norms and highlight the absurdities of human behavior through sharp humor and concise language.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Restoration comedies are filled with epigrams that reflect the social mores and attitudes of the time, using sharp wit to comment on love, marriage, and class dynamics.
2. Oscar Wilde is famous for his use of epigrams in his plays, where he cleverly critiques Victorian society while entertaining audiences with his humor.
3. Epigrams often highlight the contradictions in human nature, allowing playwrights to express deeper truths through seemingly light-hearted statements.
4. The brevity of an epigram makes it an effective tool for memorable lines that resonate with audiences and provoke thought long after they've left the theatre.
5. Wilde's epigrams are not just for amusement; they often contain profound observations about life, revealing deeper meanings beneath their surface-level wit.

Review Questions

• How do epigrams function as a tool for satire in Restoration comedies?
  • In Restoration comedies, epigrams serve as a vital tool for satire by delivering sharp critiques of societal norms and behaviors through concise and witty remarks. Playwrights like William Congreve use these clever statements to expose the follies of love, marriage, and social class. The epigrams capture the audience's attention while providing insightful commentary on the complexities of human relationships during this period.
• Analyze how Oscar Wilde's use of epigrams contributes to the themes in his works.
  • Oscar Wilde's use of epigrams significantly enhances the themes present in his works by blending humor with profound commentary on society. His witty remarks often reveal the hypocrisy and absurdity of Victorian values, while simultaneously entertaining audiences. By integrating these clever statements into his plays, Wilde engages viewers in critical reflection on morality, art, and the nature of human existence.
• Evaluate the impact of epigrams on the overall structure and effectiveness of comedy in both Restoration theatre and Wilde's plays.
  • Epigrams have a substantial impact on the structure and effectiveness of comedy in both Restoration theatre and Wilde's plays by creating rhythm and pacing that enhances comedic timing. These concise remarks not only provide punchlines but also deepen character development and thematic exploration. By juxtaposing humor with poignant observations about society, epigrams elevate the comedic experience while encouraging audiences to contemplate serious issues hidden beneath the laughter.

Related terms

Satire: A genre that uses humor, irony, and exaggeration to criticize or mock individuals, institutions, or society as a whole.

Wit: A form of intelligent humor characterized by the ability to make clever remarks and observations, often involving wordplay.

Comedy of Manners: A genre of comedy that satirizes the manners and behaviors of a particular social class, often focusing on the complexities of relationships and societal expectations.