Epilogue is a term used in literary criticism. In a broad sense, it is interpreted as a narrative of how the fate of the described characters developed after the completion of the events that took place in the main part of the work.
It should be noted that it should not be confused with an afterword. The latter, as a rule, has nothing to do with the eventual outline of the text and, in most cases, is used by the author for “non-artistic” purposes, for example, to explain his ethical views or aesthetic views or to enter into a polemic with critics. Whereas the epilogue is a natural continuation of the plot. The famous literary critic V.E. Halizev in his fundamental "Theory of Literature" gave his definition of this term. He writes that the epilogue is an element of composition, very important for understanding the openness / closeness of the plot.
Classical Works
The most striking examples of epilogues can be found in the works of Russian literature of the XIX century, more precisely in the novels of Turgenev, Dostoevsky, Tolstoy. Let's consider some of them in more detail.
Dostoevsky
One of the most significant novels of this author is rightfully considered "Crime and Punishment." His epilogue is very important for understanding Dostoevsky’s ideas - without him the narrative would not be complete. Let us briefly recall the plot of the work: the young man Rodion Raskolnikov puts forward a certain theory, according to which, all of humanity can be conditionally divided into two varieties: “trembling creatures” and “right having”.
The first category includes all ordinary people, ordinary people, of whom the majority. The second group, to which the ambitious young man considers himself, consists of "supermen" whose main purpose is to do great things. Moreover, for the “right of those having”, according to Raskolnikov, there are no moral criteria and norms - if necessary, they can do anything, including robbery and murder. In order to “test” his theory and confirm his belonging to the greats of this world, the young man takes his life a mean old woman-interest-maker. The young man convinces himself that this murder is justified and even necessary: ​​an elderly woman does not bring any benefit to society, moreover, she “seizes” her unrequited sister and shamelessly robs the poor. However, as often happens, the theory does not coincide with reality. Raskolnikov finds himself unable to step over his conscience and at the end of the novel nevertheless confesses to the crime. An epilogue is events that have occurred after the truth has been revealed. It consists of two parts: the first describes the trial of Raskolnikov and his exile to Siberia. In hard labor, he experiences a real mental change. He repents before Sonya and reconsiders his attitude to reality. Pride is replaced by acceptance and faith in God.
Epilogue of the novel "War and Peace"
In this case, the author’s conclusion is very important for understanding the characters. All of them have undergone significant changes: Natasha and Pierre, Nikolai Rostov and Marya have come a long way in the end to find happiness, each their own. Natasha from a light-footed laughter and a singer turned into an ideal mother of a large family, giving all of herself to children. Nikolai Rostov is trying to become a real landowner. As for the beloved hero of Tolstoy Bezukhov, his future is somewhat vague. Of course, he became a happy husband and father, but there is reason to believe that this is not the last stage of his spiritual development.