“Rhythm and alliteration: the phrase-makers always get the last word.” –Mrs. Miniver by Jan Struther
You may have noticed that I often start my posts with a quotation. I choose to do this because it reminds me of epigraphs featured at the beginning of chapters in old books. Epigraphs had many functions historically. They served as prefaces to a chapter or a whole book. They could provide a summary, an example, or serve as a link to another work or author. Using an epigraph is a way to connect my writing to ideas others have already expressed. I’ve been reminded recently that as an artist, I don’t have to strive for originality. It is humbling to remember that someone else has almost certainly expressed my ideas before. I can still do my best to write something true, good, and beautiful. If I do know of an author or speaker with a similar idea, using a quotation acknowledges their work and directs my readers to their thoughts. It is a kind of collaboration, even with authors whose pens have fallen still though their words speak on.
Where do I find good quotations to use as epigraphs? I believe my source is similar to that of the 18th and 19th century authors. Largely speaking, they have come from my own reading. I record them in a commonplace book, a cross between a journal and a scrapbook for collecting quotations, poems, songs, words of Scripture, recipes, etc. This is an old practice (particularly popular in the 18th century) and I am certain that authors of the time referred heavily to their own commonplace books when selecting the right epigraph for their work. A commonplace book will reflect the individual’s personal tastes and breadth of reading.
I started this habit about five years ago. My commonplace book is filled primarily with quotations (I have a separate notebook for poetry) that struck me while reading them in their original context (from fiction, nonfiction, collected letters and speeches, etc.). Sometimes I find good quotations imbedded in someone else’s writing and sometimes they come from my notes after listening to a sermon or lecture.
Now, if I’m being honest, I can’t say that I’ve never searched Pinterest for “quotes about…”. The best of us resort to the conveniences of instant-gratification internet sometimes. However, I find using epigraphs from my own reading to be more meaningful than a Google search for inspirational words. Quotations used in this way reflect the whole body of work behind the quote. The new author understands the context and original author well but latches on to a few choice words that either drive home a point or are particularly beautiful. I also hope that perhaps someone who is not familiar with the author or story might be captivated enough by a few words to seek out the complete work for themselves (even if they can’t follow a hyperlink in an instant).
Welcome To The Carriage House 