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Epigraphs - Do you like them or not

SaschaSascha
in Your Current Projects

Question as in the title. I am collecting epigraphs for the English translation.

What is your general opinion on epigraphs? Do you process them? Do they truly help you or are they ornamental?

I am a Zettler

Epigraphs
  1. Epigraphs - Yay or nay?12 votes
    1. Yay
      83.33%
    2. Nay
      16.67%

Comments

  • AndyAndy

    You are already inclined to include them, so I say: follow your inclination. Just don't overdo it: some authors include a whole page of epigraphs per chapter, which is too much.

  • AmontilladoAmontillado

    He no longer saw a rabble, but his brothers seeking the ideal. W.S. Porter

    What at first appears tangential at best may become a thing of value on reflection.

    I'd say if you're going to use them, use them on every chapter. Any reader who doesn't understand what they are for will probably appreciate them after a little repetition.

    Agree they shouldn't be lengthy and they are optional.

    It's also probably pretentious to use them on forum posts. I wouldn't recommend that.

  • wjenkins81wjenkins81

    I feel like a lot of epigraphs are a bit 'forced', being added for the sake of it. Often I am asking myself, "what on earth does this epigraph have to do with this chapter"? But they are ok when there is some relevance to the chapter they are added to.

  • zettelsanzettelsan

    Well-chosen epigraphs enhance chapters beautifully. They can summarize key themes or connect to broader knowledge beyond the book. But when they’re just intellectual flexing or the author showing off, I’m not a fan.

  • GeoEng51GeoEng51

    I like epigraphs, when they are well written or chosen. My vote is to include them, in a thoughtful way.

  • SaschaSascha

    Many thanks!

    Epigraphs are in.

    I am a Zettler

  • NickNick

    Usually depends on the quality of the epigraph. The only one that has stuck with me over the years has been that from the razors edge. “The sharp edge of a razor if difficult to pass over; thus the wise say the path to salvation is hard”.

  • SaschaSascha

    FYI: I ditched the idea. Felt to forced.

    I am a Zettler

  • ZettelDistractionZettelDistraction

    FYI: I ditched the idea. Felt too forced.
    -- Sascha Fast. Epigraphs: Do you like them or not?

    I can't think of a reason to use them in forum posts. :trollface:

    GitHub. Erdős #2. Problems worthy of attack / prove their worth by hitting back. -- Piet Hein. Alter ego: Erel Dogg (not the first). CC BY-SA 4.0.

  • SaschaSascha
    edited July 17

    The worst readers are those who act like plundering soldiers: they take away a few things they might use, cover the rest with filth and confusion, and blaspheme about the whole.
    Nietzsche - What the future will bring

    I fill covered in filth. I let it open to your fantasy, if I like it.

    :D

    I am a Zettler

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