You open a manuscript with a handwritten note that reads, “The best way to remember a life is to keep its stories alive.” That single line sets the tone for what follows, signaling to readers that the pages will be a curated collection of memories, voices, and reflections. Using quotations and epigraphs deliberately can give structure, highlight personality, and connect personal history to broader ideas. The following guide explains how to choose, place, and credit those words so they support, rather than distract from, the life story or memorial you are assembling.
What an epigraph is
An epigraph is a brief quotation placed at the beginning of a book, chapter, or section. It works as a thematic anchor, offering a lens through which readers interpret the material that follows. Because it appears before any narrative, it can frame the subject’s values, humor, or worldview without intruding on the story itself. Selecting an epigraph that resonates with the person’s life helps the reader anticipate the tone and focus of the upcoming content, making the transition into the narrative smoother and more purposeful.
Subject’s own words as epigraphs
Using the subject’s own spoken or written words as epigraphs or chapter headings adds authenticity. A favorite saying, a line from a letter, or a memorable toast can serve as a personal motto for a particular period of their life. When the quote is concise—typically a sentence or phrase—it works well as a visual break and reminds the reader of the subject’s voice. This approach also reduces the need for external validation, because the source is already known and documented within the family archive.
Choosing external quotations
External quotations should reflect the subject’s character rather than serve as generic filler. Look for lines that echo their passions, challenges, or sense of humor. A poem about gardening fits a lifelong horticulturist; a line from a novel about perseverance matches a career built on resilience. Avoid overused sayings that could apply to anyone. Instead, focus on specificity—choose a quote that mentions a detail the subject cared about, a value they lived by, or a cultural reference they frequently used.
Where to place quotations
Quotations can appear in several strategic locations within a manuscript. The opening pages often feature a central epigraph that sets the overall theme. Section breaks benefit from short pull‑quotes that signal a shift in time or topic. Chapter headings may carry a longer quote that introduces the focus of that chapter. In a printed memorial program, a decorative quote can be placed beside a photograph, while a more substantive quote might accompany a biography. Consistent placement helps readers recognize the function of each quote.
Attribution and uncertain sources
A proper attribution includes the author’s name, work title, and, when relevant, the publication year. If the source is a speech, indicate the event and date. When the exact origin cannot be confirmed, use a qualifier such as “attributed to” or “commonly quoted as”. Avoid presenting uncertain material as definitive; instead, note the uncertainty in a brief footnote. This practice maintains credibility and respects intellectual property while still allowing the quote to serve its narrative purpose.
Cultural and scriptural quotes
Quotes drawn from the subject’s cultural, religious, or linguistic tradition carry deep personal meaning. When including a scripture verse, provide the book, chapter, and verse number; for a proverb in a native language, give an English translation alongside the original text. These references can reinforce identity and heritage, especially in memorials that celebrate community. Ensure the wording matches the tradition’s accepted version to avoid misrepresentation.
Decorative vs meaningful quotes
A decorative quote is primarily aesthetic, chosen for its visual appeal or brevity, and may not directly relate to the subject’s life. A meaningful quote, by contrast, adds insight, illustrates a core value, or connects a personal anecdote to a larger idea. When editing, ask whether the quote advances the reader’s understanding of the subject. If it does not, consider removing it or replacing it with a more relevant line. This distinction keeps the manuscript focused and respectful.
Worth remembering: Select quotations that echo the subject’s own voice or values, place them where they frame or punctuate the narrative, and always provide clear attribution; this creates a cohesive, respectful memorial that lets the person’s story speak through the words they loved.
Common questions
How long should an epigraph be?
An epigraph should be brief—typically a single sentence or a short phrase—so it can be read quickly and still serve as a thematic cue before the main text begins.
Can I use a quote I heard the person say but never wrote down?
Yes, you may include a spoken quote if you can verify it through multiple reliable recollections; note in a footnote that the wording is based on oral testimony rather than a written source.
What if I cannot verify the original source of a quote I want to use?
If the source cannot be confirmed, label the quote as “attributed to” or “commonly quoted as” and add a brief note explaining the uncertainty, rather than presenting it as definitively sourced.