Question

Which of the following would be an example of an epistolary work?

a letter to a son urging him to study romantic poetry
a blank verse poem celebrating nature
a novel of manners
a satirical essay criticizing the aristocracy

Answer 1

An epistle is in fact a letter. The option that contains an example of an epistolary work is the first one: a letter to a son urging him to study romantic poetry. The epistle became a literary work of significance. Alexander Pope is a clear example of a writer who used the epistle as the channel to use his poetical gift in his epistles to several persons.

Answer 2

The correct option is A.
An epistolary work is defined as a literary work, which is in form of series of documents, usually letters. Diary entries, newspaper clippings and other documents can also be used. An epistolary work can be a novel, poem or a non fiction.