epistolary composition

[ɪˌpɪstəˈlɛri kɒmpəˈzɪʃən]
nounpl: epistolary compositions
composição epistolar
1. A literary work or piece of writing composed in the form of letters, typically correspondence between characters
The novel 'Dracula' is an example of epistolary composition, told entirely through letters and diary entries.
O romance 'Drácula' é um exemplo de composição epistolar, contado inteiramente através de cartas e entradas de diário.
2. The art or technique of writing in letter form as a literary device or structural method
The author's use of epistolary composition allowed readers to experience multiple perspectives simultaneously.
O uso da composição epistolar pelo autor permitiu aos leitores experimentar múltiplas perspectivas simultaneamente.
3. A formal written exercise or assignment involving the creation of letters as part of a literary or educational work
Students were asked to complete an epistolary composition as their final literature project.
Os alunos foram pedidos para completar uma composição epistolar como seu projeto final de literatura.
Epistolary composition has a rich literary tradition in both English and Portuguese literature. In Brazil, this form gained particular prominence during the Romantic period. The technique allows for intimate character development and is frequently employed in educational curricula to teach perspective-taking and formal letter-writing conventions. In Portugal, it maintains strong academic relevance in secondary and university literature studies.
Synonyms / Sinônimos
letter writingepistolary novelcorrespondence narrativeepistolic form
Antonyms / Antônimos
first-person narrativethird-person narrativestream of consciousness

Regional Variations

General Brazilian Portuguese
composição epistolar
Standard term used in educational and literary contexts
Portugal
composição epistolar
Same as Brazilian Portuguese, commonly used in academic discourse
Rio de Janeiro
composição em forma de cartas
Alternative descriptive form sometimes used in casual contexts
São Paulo
composição epistolar
Preferred academic and formal usage

Related Words

epistleepistolarylettercorrespondencenarrative formliterary devicediegetic correspondence

Related Idioms & Phrases

in the form of letters
letter-based narrative
correspondence-driven story
Look up more words on Fala2Me
The free English-Portuguese dictionary with real Brazilian accents, NYC slang, conjugator and more
Open Fala2Me →