The word epitaph comes from Greek and means "upon a tomb" or "at a tomb." If you guessed that an epitaph is a short poem or writing that is suitable for carving upon a tomb or a grave, you are right!
This type of poem has been around since the time of the ancient Egyptians when writings on a tomb described the life of the person buried there. People have since begun to use epitaphs as a form of literature.
Epitaphs can be anything you want them to be. They can be very serious and solemn or they can be bit lighthearted and humorous.
Click on a grave to check out some epitaph examples!
Writer's Toolbox
Before you begin writing, you may want to gather some tools to help you as you search for just the right words. Here is a list of materials you might need:
- something
to write on — notebook paper, adding machine tape, file cards,
graph paper...
- something
to write with — pencils, crayons, typewriter, computer, markers...
- drawing
paper ... sometimes it helps to draw a picture first!
- art supplies
(colored pencils, crayons, and other fun stuff!)
- word lists
(Click HERE for
an example or HERE
for a blank list!)
- a thesaurus
- a dictionary
Your
Turn!
The topic of your epitaph can be anyone or anything that you know something about ... or you want to learn about. You can write about a person from history, a family friend, your pet, losing a shoe, the extinction of a species, or a trip to the country.
The key is picking something that has ended, is ending, or that you want to end! Yes, you can even write a epitaph for something or someone that is not "dead" yet. In fact, it might be interesting to write your own epitaph. What would you want people to remember about you?
Another key to writing an epitaph is to set the mood of your poem. If you are writing about your favorite grandparent, it is probably not appropriate to make the epitaph silly or humorous. Epitaphs with a person as a topic are usually serious and/or factual. If you are in a silly or humorous mood, choose an event, book character, or an object for the topic of your poem!
When you have finished your rough draft, read it to a friend, your mom or dad, or your teacher. Ask them to give you some feedback about the words you have chosen. If you think that their suggestions will help your poem, add them.
When you have your poem just the way you like it, you may decided to publish it! You can publish any way you like. You can print it on fancy paper or use a computer application (like PowerPoint, HyperStudio, or even Flash).
Because epitaphs have historically been carved on graves or tombs, you may want to make a 3D model and publish your epitaph on it. You may also choose to make a collage or a scrapbook page to publish your epitaph. Combine pictures and mementos with your words to commemorate your topic!
Click the button below for your journal page!
|
|
Poetry Menu
- Poetry
Home
- The Process
- ABC Poem
- Acrostic
- BioPoem
- Chant
- Cinquain
- Diamonte
- Epitaph
- Free Verse
- Haiku
- List Poem
- Lune
- Occasional
- Quatrain
- Shape
- Teachers
Only
(Password Required)
Graphics used with permission: ©2001-2002 Arttoday.com