Epilogue - a term used in literary criticism.In a broad sense, it is treated as a story about how the fates of characters described after the events in the main part of the work.
It should be noted that one should not confuse it with an afterword.The latter, as a rule, is not related to event-canvas text and in most cases used by the author to "vnehudozhestvennyh" purposes, for example in order to explain their ethical views or aesthetic views or engage in polemics with the critics.While the epilogue - it is a natural continuation of the plot.The famous literary VE Khalizov in his seminal "Theory of Literature" gave his definition of the term.He writes that the epilogue - it is an element of the composition, it is very important for understanding the opening / closing of the plot.
Classics
epilogues most striking examples can be found in the works of Russian literature of the XIX century, more precisely in the novels of Turgenev, Dostoevsky, Tolstoy.Let us consider some of them in detail.
Dostoevsky
One of the most important novels of the author is considered to be "Crime and Punishment."Epilogue it is very important for understanding the ideas of Dostoevsky - without it the story would not be complete.Let us briefly recall the plot works: a young man, Rodion Raskolnikov puts forward a theory according to which all of humanity can be divided into two types: "loathsome creature" and "the right to have."
The first category includes all the ordinary people, ordinary people, of which the majority.The second group, to which an ambitious young man considers himself, consists of "supermen", whose main purpose is to do great things.Moreover, for "having the right", according to Raskolnikov, there is no moral criteria and norms - if necessary, they can go on all the way up to the robbery and murder.In order to "test" his theory and to confirm their affiliation to one of the great of this world, a young man takes the life of a mean old woman money-lender.The young man convinces himself that this murder is justified and even necessary: an elderly woman of no benefit to society, not only is it "jammed" his sister meek and shamelessly robbing the poor.However, as is often the case, the theory does not coincide with reality.Raskolnikov is unable to transcend his conscience and at the end of the novel still confessed to the crime.Epilogue - an event that occurred after the disclosure of the truth.It consists of two parts: the first describes the trial Raskolnikov and his exile in Siberia.In prison he experiences a real spiritual turning point.He confesses to Sonia and revises its attitude towards reality.In place of pride come to acceptance and faith in God.
Epilogue of the novel "War and Peace»
In this case, the author's opinion is very important for an understanding of the character.All of them have undergone significant changes: Natasha and Pierre, Nikolai Rostov and Maria have gone a long way to find happiness at the end of each of their own.Natasha Lightfoot of laughterloons and singer turned into a perfect mother of a large family, gives herself to children.Nikolai Rostov is trying to become real landowners.As for the beloved hero of Tolstoy Bezukhov, his future more uncertain.Of course, he became a happy husband and father, but there is reason to believe that it is - not the last stage of his spiritual development.
