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IWW Practice-W Exercise Archives
Exercise: Epiphany


These exercises were written by IWW members and administrators to provide structured practice opportunities for its members. You are welcome to use them for practice as well. Please mention that you found them at the Internet Writers Workshop (http://www.internetwritingworkshop.org/).

Prepared by: Loretta Carrico-Russell
Posted on: Sunday, Oct. 14, 2007
Reposted on: Sunday, Oct. 5, 2008
Reposted on: Sunday, April 10, 2011
Reposted on: Sunday, December 29, 2013
Reposted on: Sunday, September 11, 2016
Reposted on: Sunday, February 26, 2017
Reposted on: Sunday, January 3, 2021

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Exercise: In 400 words or less, write a scene in which
an individual experiences an epiphany. Show what leads
to the moment of insight and how it changes the character's
life.

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An epiphany is described as a sudden, intuitive perception
or insight into the essential meaning of something, and is
usually initiated by a simple or commonplace occurrence or
experience.

In a story the term epiphany refers to the moment when
something suddenly becomes clear to the character, the moment
when past events appear in a new light and insight is gained.
A writer often uses a striking image, a phrase, or other
previously unknown detail that brings that awareness to the
character. The character is changed by the new realization.

A prime example of an epiphany in literature comes to Ebenezer
Scrooge in Charles Dickens's "A Christmas Carol," when he
suddenly sees himself as a selfish man who loves money more
than his fellow man. His eyes are opened to the truth and he
changes once he is enlightened. In his case, it takes three
ghosts to produce the change, but for some people nothing more
is required than the sight of a newborn baby.

Bear in mind--an epiphany doesn't always lead to happiness;
sometimes sudden disillusion can produce despair.

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When critiquing, discuss the moment of epiphany and whether it
seems likely to be a pivotal moment of insight. Note how it
changes the character.


Web site created by Rhéal Nadeau and the administrators of the Internet Writing Workshop.
Modified by Gayle Surrette.