Aphorism is a concise, memorable, and often witty statement that conveys a general truth or observation about life. Authors, philosophers, and poets use aphorism to express their insights and engage readers.
What is Aphorism?
It is derived from the Greek word “aphorismos,” which means “definition” or “aphorism,”. An aphorism is a brief statement that conveys a general truth, principle, or observation about life. Aphorisms typically leave a lasting impression on the reader due to their concise and memorable nature.
Aphorisms are available in different forms of literature such as essays, novels, and poetry. They often reflect the author’s personal beliefs, experiences, or insights and can serve various purposes, from offering moral guidance to providing a moment of levity or introspection.
Use of Aphorism in Literature
Aphorisms are used in literature due to the following reasons:
- Conveying wisdom: Aphorisms can be used to express universal truths or moral principles in a concise and memorable manner, allowing readers to easily grasp and remember the author’s message.
- Provoking thought: Due to their brevity and wit, aphorisms often prompt readers to pause and reflect on the ideas presented, engaging them in deeper thought or discussion.
- Character development: Aphorisms can reveal a character’s personality, beliefs, or values in a novel or play.
- Adding humor: The witty nature of aphorisms can inject humor into a text, lightening the mood or providing comic relief.
Examples of Aphorism in Literature
Aphorisms have been used by authors and philosophers throughout history to express their insights and engage readers. Some notable examples of aphorism in literature include:
Benjamin Franklin
In his famous work, “Poor Richard’s Almanack,” Benjamin Franklin employed aphorisms to convey moral lessons and practical advice. Some of his well-known examples are:
- “A penny saved is a penny earned.”
- “Early to bed and early to rise makes a man healthy, wealthy, and wise.”
- “God helps those who help themselves.”
Friedrich Nietzsche
The German philosopher Friedrich Nietzsche often used aphorisms in his writings to express his complex and provocative ideas. The examples of aphorism from his work, “Beyond Good and Evil,” is given below:
- “He who fights with monsters should be careful lest he thereby become a monster. And if thou gaze long into an abyss, the abyss will also gaze into thee.”
- “There are no facts, only interpretations.”
These aphorisms challenge conventional wisdom and encourage the readers to question their assumptions and beliefs.
Oscar Wilde
Oscar Wilde is the Irish playwright and novelist. He is famous for his wit and humor. His characteristics are often displayed in the form of aphorisms. In his play, “The Importance of Being Earnest,” Wilde uses aphorisms to satirize Victorian society and its values:
- “The only way to get rid of a temptation is to
yield to it.”
- “To lose one parent, Mr. Worthing, may be regarded as a misfortune; to lose both looks like carelessness.”
These aphorisms showcase Wilde’s sharp wit and his ability to highlight the absurdities and inconsistencies in the social conventions of his time.
Emily Dickinson
In her poetry, Emily Dickinson often employed aphorisms to convey her insights and observations about life and death. One famous example of aphorism is found in the poem “Hope is the thing with feathers”:
- “Hope is the thing with feathers that perches in the soul, and sings the tune without the words, and never stops at all.”
Dickinson’s aphorisms evoke powerful imagery and emotions, allowing readers to connect with her thoughts and experiences on a deeper level.
Functions of Aphorism in Literature
Aphorisms serve several functions in literary works, including:
- Communication of complex ideas: Aphorisms is used to convey complex idea or concept in a concise manner. It allows readers to more easily comprehend and remember the author’s message.
- Stimulating thought and reflection: The brevity and wit of aphorisms often encourage readers to pause and contemplate the ideas presented, engaging them in a deeper level of thought and reflection.
- Characterization: In novels or plays, aphorisms can reveal a character’s personality, values, or beliefs, providing insight into their motivations and actions. This can help to develop and enrich the character’s portrayal within the work.
- Artistic expression: Aphorisms can add an element of artistic flair to a text, as their concise and memorable nature often resonates with readers and leaves a lasting impression.
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