Do you have a favourite book or any literary writing that has inspired you to conduct your PhD research in a particular area? If yes, then it is highly possible that you want to add a quote from the literary work at the start of your PhD literature (dissertation). Such inclusion of a quote, sentence or a preface from your favourite scholarly work is epigraph writing. Seems a new word to you, huh? It is not new, but its use in PhD literature is limited. So, is it necessary to write epigraphs at the start of your dissertation? This will be the main question of today’s article. However, before moving on to the main discussion, let’s explain epigraph writing and its purpose.
What Is Epigraph Writing And Its Purpose In Literature?
An epigraph is a standalone quote, line, or paragraph that often appears at the beginning of literature and scholarly work. This word epigraph is derived from the Greek word epigraphein, which means “to write on.” Epigraph writing varies from literature to literature, but its use is the same for every PhD literature, i.e., to set up the theme of the literature.
An epigraph at the start of a literary work can serve different purposes. It gives the reader a clue about what is coming next in the literature he is reading. Also, sometimes the researchers use this writing to set up the larger themes at the start of the literature, which they will explore in the whole work.
Is It Necessary To Include An Epigraph In PhD Literature?
From the discussion above, you have got a good idea that epigraph writing is a short quotation usually used to link your literature to well-known literature in your field. The source of the quotation can be anything. It could be a book, poem, or dissertation. Coming toward the primary question, the answer is that it is necessary to include an epigraph at the start of your PhD literature. You may have seen a preface at the start of every high-quality literary work. Yes, that preface is the epigraph writing.
Almost every researcher agrees that an epigraph is necessary for a dissertation before publication; still, there is confusion going around. Some researchers say that adding an epigraph at the start of each chapter of a dissertation is a must. Some deny this claim and say that adding a quote as an epigraph at the very start of the dissertation is necessary. It is a never-ending argumentation because both are at their extremes. However, as a general rule, you must include an epigraph at the start only. You can also hire an assignment writing service if you are facing any issues.
Using An Epigraph In PhD Literature – 5 Points To Consider
An epigraph is a stylistic device aimed at informing your readers about your literary work. As a writer, you usually intend to put your work in the context of other famous literary works. So, to do this effectively, writing an effective epigraph is a must. Hence, a brief description of the 5 points to consider is as follows:
Do Not Use It Just For The Sake Of It
Epigraph writing undoubtedly improves the readership of your PhD literature. However, the first thing that you need to consider is that you do not add it to your dissertation just for this sake. It has been seen that many students just add a quote to grab the attention of the reader. It is very wrong and very far from the true meaning of an epigraph. An epigraph relates your research work to another well-known. So, write it with responsibility.
Be Sure To Make It Relatable
Your epigraph writing must be relatable to your dissertation or other PhD literature. It does not matter whether you decide to add a quote, line, or paragraph from your favourite book. The thing that matters the most is its relation to your literature. Your reader must not feel that he is being misled on the topic by whatever you have chosen to include in your literary work. Hence, make sure that your epigraph is relatable to the actual literature.
Choose Something Uncommon And Famous
So, you have decided to include an epigraph in your dissertation. Indeed a good decision, but have you decided on what to include? If not, then be mindful of it. You must not use something that is overused in your field and is very common. Use something uncommon yet very famous in your research area. I know it is a bit tricky to find such information, but it might be a good idea to spend considerable time on this. After all, it is a matter of the success of your literature.
Be Sure It’s Appropriate Academically
The 4th point that you must consider about your epigraph is its appropriateness academically. This point means that the quote, line, or paragraph that you intend to use as an epigraph should be something recognised by academicians and top researchers. It should not be something you have heard from your friend or classmate which you like and incorporate into your dissertation. It should be something in-print and can be verified just as your sources that you used to craft the PhD literature.
Ensure It Is Accurately Written
Last but not least, ensure that your epigraph writing is accurately written in the context of your PhD literature. It has been seen over the years that students misquote others’ work and write out an epigraph incorrectly. Do not settle for finding out a quote online. On the other hand, be extra careful and explore the pages of literature to find yourself a good starting paragraph. Get PhD dissertation help if you feel that you are stuck.
Conclusion
Many PhD literatures do fine without epigraph writing at the start. However, most authors use it as a way to set the themes or tone of their literature. Conclusively, it is necessary to write an epigraph at the start of your PhD literature. But be mindful of the 5 things mentioned above. Ensure the academic appropriateness of your intended quote, line, or paragraph.