Epilogue by Herman Melville (1853)
The epilogue serves as a conclusion to the narrative, providing closure and resolution for the characters. It takes place after the events of the main story, offering a final perspective on the themes and ideas explored throughout. In this section, the narrator reflects on the significance of the journey and its impact on the protagonist's life. The tone is often contemplative and introspective, inviting the reader to consider the deeper meaning behind the events that have transpired. The epilogue typically provides a sense of completion and finality, bringing the story full circle and leaving the reader with a lasting impression of the characters and their experiences.
By Herman Melville · First published 1853 · Genre: Poetry, Philosophical, Religious · 382 words
First lines
"If Luther's day expand to Darwin's year," / "Shall that exclude the hope-foreclose the fear? "
Unmoved by all the claims our times avow, / The ancient Sphinx still keeps the porch of shade; / And comes Despair, whom not her calm may cow, / And coldly on that adamantine brow / Scrawls undeterred his bitter pasquinade.
What this Textopian page supports
Epilogue is listed on Textopian as a poem by Herman Melville, dated 1853 CE.
This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.
- Work type: Poem
- Author: Herman Melville
- Date: 1853 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Poetry, Philosophical, Religious, Metaphysical, Symbolic
- Length: 382 words
- Structure: 1 section, 8 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Standard (8th-9th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for Epilogue by Herman Melville
- Canonical title URL and first readable passage URL
- Genre and topic classification from the Textopian catalog
- Readability and classroom-planning context
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Genres
- Poetry — The text is structured in verse form, utilizing rhyme and meter, characteristic of poetry.
- Philosophical — The themes explore existential questions, the nature of faith, and the human condition, typical of philosophical literature.
- Religious — References to faith, the cross, and spiritual themes suggest a religious genre.
- Metaphysical — The work delves into abstract concepts such as the nature of existence and the universe, aligning with metaphysical literature.
Tags
American Literature · Classic Novel · Historical Fiction · Maritime Adventure · Philosophical Themes · Psychological Insight · Social Commentary · Symbolism · Existential Crisis · Coming of Age · Self-Discovery · Identity Crisis