Epilogue is ... Disclosure of the term

Epilogue is a term used in literary criticism. In a broad sense, it is interpreted as a narrative of how the fate of the characters described emerged after the events that occurred in the main part of the work were completed.

It should be noted that you can not confuse it with afterword. The latter, as a rule, is in no way connected with the eventual outline of the text and in most cases is used by the author for "extra-artistic" purposes, for example, in order to explain his ethical views or aesthetic views or engage in polemics with critics. While the epilogue is a natural continuation of the plot. The famous literary critic VE Khalizev in his fundamental "Theory of Literature" gave his definition of this term. He writes that the epilogue is an element of composition, very important for understanding the openness / closure of the plot.

Classical works

The most vivid examples of epilogues can be found in the works of Russian literature of the XIX century, more precisely in the novels of Turgenev, Dostoevsky, Tolstoy. Let's consider some of them in more detail.

Dostoevsky

One of the most significant novels of this author is considered to be "Crime and Punishment". His epilogue is very important for understanding Dostoevsky's ideas - without him the narrative would not be complete. Briefly recall the plot of the work: a young man Rodion Raskolnikov proposes a theory, according to which, all of humanity can be conditionally divided into two types: "critters of trembling" and "the right of having."

The first category includes all ordinary people, ordinary people, the majority. The second group, to which the ambitious young man classifies himself, consists of "superhumans", whose main purpose is to do great things. In this case, for the "right have", according to Raskolnikov, there are no moral criteria and norms - if necessary they can do anything, including robbery and murder. In order to "test" his theory and confirm his belonging to the number of the greats of this world, the young man deprives the life of the stingy old woman-interest-holder. The young man convinces himself that this murder is justified and even necessary: an elderly woman does not bring any benefit to society, moreover, she "seizes" her unrequited sister and shamelessly offends the poor. However, as often happens, the theory does not coincide with reality. Raskolnikov is unable to step over his conscience and at the end of the novel still confesses to the perfect crime. Epilogue - this is the events that occurred after the disclosure of the truth. It consists of two parts: the first describes the trial of Raskolnikov and his exile to Siberia. In hard labor, he experiences a real heart break. He repents to Sonia and reconsiders his attitude to reality. In place of pride come acceptance and faith in God.

Epilogue of the novel "War and Peace"

In this case, the author's opinion is very important for understanding the characters' images. All of them have undergone significant changes: Natasha and Pierre, Nikolay Rostov and Marya have come a long way to finally find happiness, each his own. Natasha from light-legged giggles and singer turned into the ideal mother of a large family, giving herself to the children. Nikolai Rostov is trying to become a real landowner. As for the beloved hero of Tolstoy Bezukhov, his future is somewhat vague. Of course, he became a happy husband and father, but there is reason to believe that this is not the last stage of his spiritual development.