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Introductory quotation

Structure
Pronunciation

Understanding ARPABET Pronunciation

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The pronunciation guide uses the ARPABET phonetic system—the same system used in speech recognition and text-to-speech applications.

Vowel Examples:
AE1 = cat, bat
EH1 = bed, head
IY1 = see, me
OW1 = go, boat
UW1 = boot, do
Stress Numbers:
0 = no stress (unstressed)
1 = primary stress (loud)
2 = secondary stress (medium)
Example:
AH0 TH IY1 N AH0
= a-THEE-na (Athena)

The stressed syllable (marked with 1) is pronounced louder and clearer than others.

Quick Definition

A passage placed at the beginning of a work to establish theme or context.

Detailed Definition
An epigraph or prefatory quotation beginning a poem, establishing context, theme, or entering dialogue with literary tradition. T.S. Eliot's use of Dante opening "The Love Song of J. Alfred Prufrock" exemplifies this practice. The introductory quotation can be in another language or from another poet, immediately situating the work within broader literary conversations. Creates intertextual relationship between texts across time and tradition. Can provide ironic commentary, establish tone, or offer interpretive framework for reading what follows.
Example
Example in poetry:
Epigraphs from other authors beginning a poem; Opening quotations establishing context; Prefatory citations framing the work; Initial borrowed lines introducing themes
Additional Notes
An epigraph or prefatory quotation beginning a poem. T.S. Eliot's use of Dante at the start of "The Love Song of J. Alfred Prufrock" exemplifies this. Establishes context, theme, or attitude. Can be in another language or from another poet. Creates dialogue between texts and traditions.
Also Known As
epigraph prefatory quotation opening citation heading quote
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