epistolary

What does “epistolary” mean?

adjective.relating to or denoting the writing of letters or literary works in the form of letters.

SAT Usage

this term often appears in literary analyses or discussions about narrative structure, particularly in relation to novels or memoirs that unfold through letters. It emphasizes a personal, intimate form of communication, highlighting character development and emotional depth, distinguishing it from other narrative styles like third-person or first-person prose.

Common Confusions

Epistolary implies a narrative style conveyed through letters, while narrative usually suggests a broader storytelling approach that may include various forms such as prose or dialogue without the letter-based format.

Example Sentences

• The novel used an epistolary format consisting only of letters.