What is an epistolary?
A type of storytelling through letters or diary entries.
Pen Pals, Diaries, and Love Letters: An Exploration of Epistolary Writing
Epistolary writing is a type of storytelling that involves the use of letters, diary entries, or other forms of written correspondence.
This style of writing became popular in the 18th century and was most commonly used in novels.
The use of letters in storytelling allows a writer to provide different perspectives on a single event or give more insight into a character's thoughts and feelings.
Epistolary writing can also be intimate, such as in the case of love letters or personal diary entries.
While epistolary writing is not as commonly used today, it remains a unique and creative way to tell a story.
Epistolary writing has a long history in literature and here are two popular examples:
One of the most famous examples, Dracula by Bram Stoker, is told through journal entries, letters, and newspaper clippings, which gives readers a glimpse into the perspectives of the various characters and helps build suspense.
The Color Purple by Alice Walker is a novel written entirely in letters and diary entries, which allows readers to see the characters' thoughts and feelings evolve over time and explore themes like race, gender and identity.