Yusupov Oybek Nematjonovich Ahmedova Nigora Shavkatovna

Questions for discussion: 
1. What are the characteristics features of proverbs and sayings? 
2. How do proverbs and saying are structurally organized? 
3. What is a difference between proverbs and sayings? 
4. For what purpose do writers use proverbs and sayings? 
 
CONTENTS
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

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67 
3.
 
Epigrams 
An epigram
is a stylistic device which is very close to a proverb. The 
difference between them lies in the fact that epigrams are created by individuals, 
famous writers, poets, scientists, philosophers whom we know, while proverbs are 
the coinage of the people. In other words, when using epigrams, we usually make a
reference to its author [64].

Like proverbs epigrams are rhythmically arranged, sometimes rhymed and 
alliterated. Their aim is to convey some generalized idea in a laconic and expressive 
form. Unlike proverbs, epigrams have a literary- bookish air that distinguishes them 
from proverbs. Brevity is the main quality of the epigram.
Epigrams are often confused with aphorisms. It is difficult to draw a demarcation 
line between them. Real epigrams are true to fact and that is why they win general 
recognition and acceptance. But there is no brevity in aphorisms, They are too long. 
The following sentence seems to meet all the necessary requirements of the epigram; 
“
A thing of beauty is a joy forever
” (Keats). It is brief, generalizing, witty. 
Writers use epigrams to criticize their heroes. Somerset Maugham is fond of it and 
many of his novels and stories about in epigrams [67]: 
1.
 
He that bends shall be made straight. 
2.
 
Mighty is he who conquers himself. 
Proverbs and sayings are used as expressive means of the language while 
epigrams constitute the stylistic devices. Epigrams are literary expressions while 
proverbs are utterance of the folk language.

Epigrams form a certain type of convergence when they are used together with 
other expressive means an stylistic devices: