In literature, a character has an epiphany when they experience a sudden insight or realization that changes their understanding. The term was made popular by James Joyce and fully divulged in his autobiographical novel, Stephen Hero. According to Joyce, epiphany is the moment when “the soul of the commonest object… seems to us radiant, and may be manifested through any chance, word, or gesture.” This makes it clear that epiphany is a powerful rhetorical device that reveals character growth.
Examples of epiphany in literature demonstrate a “coming to” or a realization. It demonstrates a level of character growth that’s likely to change the direction of the story. Let’s review some famous examples to see how it all works.