Eternal Words

Worksheet Description

This worksheet introduces students to the concept of an epitaph, which is a brief commemorative inscription on a tombstone, often in verse or prose with a figurative meaning. It explains that the purpose of an epitaph is to honor the deceased or to remember a significant event, and the word itself originates from the Greek “epitaphios,” meaning “funeral oration.” Students are directed to research and write down an epitaph from a literary figure, identify whose it is, and explain its significance to that person’s life. This exercise encourages students to explore how individuals choose to be remembered and to consider the impact of those final words.

The worksheet teaches students about the tradition of epitaphs, especially among writers who often penned their own. It encourages research into literary history, fostering an understanding of the personal and cultural values that influence how a person is commemorated. By asking students to articulate the significance of the chosen epitaph to the author’s life, the activity promotes critical thinking and interpretative skills. This task also provides an opportunity for students to reflect on the themes of legacy and memory in the context of a writer’s life and work.