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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.internetwritingwor
kshop.org/).
Prepared by: Loretta Carrico-Russell
Posted on: Sunday. Oct. 14, 2007
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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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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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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 Greg Gunther.
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