The epigram it is a very short type of poem that deals with a single idea. This composition has the characteristic of being very precise, clear, cheerful and ironic.
The epigram originated in Ancient Greece, but was present in Latin poetry, in the Spanish Baroque, and in the 18th century in England, France, and Germany.
Greek epigrams were found on tombs, weapons, statues, temples or other places and later became a lyrical subgenre and began to appear in books or other types of writings.
In addition, the themes and function were modified (in some cases, these compositions ceased to have an ironic-comic effect and began to have a moralizing purpose).
Characteristics of the epigram
- Form. It is generally made up of a few verses or a short phrase. It usually has two parts, in the first the topic is presented and in the second there is a reflection on the topic.
- language economy. Very few words are used to express a thought.
- Theme. The themes are very varied, they can be morality, love, a sentence, something important at the time, the recognition of an important figure, among others.
- Satirical. Satire is used to criticize certain behaviors and can be mocking or with a moralizing purpose.
- It belongs to the lyrical genre. The thought or reflection of the author is transmitted.
Epigram Examples
- Someday we will see the earth by divine work;
now the sea is a circus to jump from the wind.Creels of Cos, 340 B.C. C. – 285 B.C. c.
- Flees the sea land and seizes the esteva
if you want to see the end of a long life;
on land the years are long and, on the other hand, it is not easy
find gray heads among the sailors.Faleco de Fócida, who lived between the IV century BC. C. and the 3rd century BC. C..
- Three menalian deer heads with huge antlers
they are consecrated to you in your portico, Apollo;
on horseback the quick hand of the children caught them
of the brave Leontiadas, Dailocos and Promenes.Perses, Greek poet.
- I greet you, oh, Neoclidas twins!, that the one to the homeland
freed the other from slavery and foolishness.Menander, 342 B.C. C.-291 a. c.
- You admire, Vacerra, only the ancients and you only praise dead poets. Excuse me, I beg you, Vacerra: it’s not worth dying to like you.
Marco Valerio Marcial, 40-104.
- Everyone lives suffering if it is warned,
This one for not losing what he has won,
That one, because he was never awarded.Baltasar Gracian, 1601-1658.
- “EPIGRAM GOES to the Lady herself” by León de Arroyal (1755-1813)
Who is Maria? she is true mother
of Christ God and true Man.
Already greater dignity to know I do not wait,
nor could it be known either;
So let us sing with metrical harmony:
Holy Mother of God, Holy Mary. - That philosopher laughs
this one cries: that one contemplates
the funny of life,
This is tragic about her.Juan de Iriarte, 1702-1771.
- found a bandit
With a certain notary one day,
and taking off his hat
He did him his courtesy:
The clerk gave an indication
That he missed the compliment;
But the other said: “I do
Because we are of a trade ”.Manuel de Zequeira Arango, 1746-1846.
- This will be my revenge:
That one day the book of
a famous poet
and read these lines that the author wrote for you
and you don’t know it.Ernesto Cardenal, 1925-2020.
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