GENRE STUDIES UNIT-IV Epistle

 

Epistle

            A letter in verse, usually addressed to a person close to the writer. Its theme may be moral and philosophical or imitate and sentimental. “Epistle to Dr. Arbuthnot”, in which the poet addresses a physician in his social circle. The epistle peaked in popularity in the 18^th century, through Lord Byron and Robert Browning composed several in the next century.

 

Example

v  Epistle to Augusta by Lord Byron

 In the first line of the Epistle, the poet clearly addresses the lines to his sister, August. He calls her “Sweet” and the dearest and the purest person that he knows. These affectionate words are followed by a number of how he feels about her, where he mentally and emotionally and reflecting on everything.