Question

What is an example of an epilogue?

Answer 1

Hint: Epilogue is opposite of prologue. Like prologue is put in the beginning of some work of literature, similarly, epilogue is put at the end of it. It contains the concluding comments of any play/book/ other relevant literature work.

Complete answer:
It is an additional section which tells about the destiny of the characters and encapsulates those points that need clarity. It gives the reader a glimpse into the future of the story.
An example of an epilogue is as follows-

Epilogue of Midsummer Night’s Dream is

“ If we shadows have offended,
Think but this, and all is mended,
That you have but slumber’d here
While these visions did appear.
And this weak and idle theme,
No more yielding but a dream,
Gentles, do not reprehend:
if you pardon, we will mend:
And, as I am an honest Puck,
If we have unearned luck
Now to ‘scape the serpent’s tongue,
We will make amends ere long;
Else the Puck a liar call;
So, good night unto you all.
Give me your hands, if we be friends,
And Robin shall restore amends.” (V, i. 440-455)

In case of a drama an epilogue is told directly to the audience/readers by one of the main characters. The epilogue of Midsummer Night’s Dream gives closure to the play by informing the audience that everyone is satisfied in the end i.e. it is a happy ending. The epilogue was delivered by Puck the fairy since it is an epilogue of a drama. He apologised for his unruly behaviour and assured the audience it meant no harm. Also, he avoids taking responsibility for how the play escalated, by prompting the audience that they have been dreaming.

Note: The epilogue can be written for literary work, film or drama. However, the epilogue must not be confused with the afterword. Epilogue explains and clarifies things related to the characters, loose ends of the story etc. while an afterword is mainly a comment on the overall story or a related research.