epilogue of a novel

[Julieonline]

Hi,
I am trying to figure out what "the epilogue of a novel" refers to.
Does it mean the ending/result of a novel or the short supplimentary article one sometimes finds after the ending of a novel?

Thanks, Julie

 

[dojibear]

An "epilogue" is the last chapter of a novel. But only if the novel has an epilog. Most novels do not have one.

It is not the "the author's after-note to the reader". It is part of the story. If the novel has an epilog, it will usually be titled "Epilog(ue)", like a chapter title.

Many novels have a building excitement, suspense or mystery. The story builds up to a climactic event, which settles everything. The epilog is what happens after that event. It may be the week after, or 5 years later, or 10 years later.

 

[Julieonline]

An "epilogue" is the last chapter of a novel. But only if the novel has an epilog. Most novels do not have one.

It is not the "the author's after-note to the reader". It is part of the story. If the novel has an epilog, it will usually be titled "Epilog(ue)", like a chapter title.

Many novels have a building excitement, suspense or mystery. The story builds up to a climactic event, which settles everything. The epilog is what happens after that event. It may be the week after, or 5 years later, or 10 years later.

Thank you for your detailed explanation!
It reminds me of some movies with a short "*** years later" episode showing where the main characters are and how they are doing after the main story.