What does epigonism mean?
Epigonism is the practice of closely imitating the style of an earlier writer, artist, composer, or thinker instead of forging an independent path. The term derives from the Greek 'epigonos', meaning 'born after' — originally applied to the sons of the Seven who fought Thebes, and later adopted in literary criticism to describe successors who reproduce a great predecessor's manner without its power. Epigonism appears chiefly in formal critical writing about literature, painting, and music, where it functions as a pointed accusation of derivative work: a novelist who writes in another author's voice, or a composer who recycles a master's formulas, may be charged with epigonism. It is almost always pejorative, implying that technical fluency has replaced genuine invention. The word pairs naturally with adjectives like 'mere' or 'sterile'. Knowing it gives critics and readers alike a precise, elegant way to distinguish homage from unoriginality.
nounThe practice or quality of imitating the style of an earlier writer, artist, or thinker rather than producing original work; derivative imitation of a predecessor's manner.
- Imitative adherence to the style of an earlier writer, artist, or school, especially in literature and art, often with connotations of inferiority.
- By extension, any unoriginal, derivative practice in thought or creative work.
"His later novels sank into mere epigonism, faithfully echoing the manner of his mentor without adding anything new."
"Critics dismissed the movement as epigonism, noting that its poets merely rearranged the gestures of the Romantics."
"There is a fine line between respectful homage and sterile epigonism."
Rarely pluralized, since the word typically denotes a general quality or practice; a plural form exists but is uncommon.
"Different national literatures have passed through their own epigonisms before finding distinctive voices."
From the Greek for 'born afterward', an epigone is literally someone who arrives too late to be original — and epigonism is what their art looks like.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of epigonism
Epigonism comes from the Greek 'epigonos', meaning 'born after' or 'descendant', formed from 'epi-' ('after') and '-gonos' ('born'), which itself relates to the root of words like 'genesis'. In classical usage the Epigonoi were the sons of the Seven Against Thebes who avenged their fathers; later European criticism borrowed the term to denote uninspired successors of great figures, whence 'epigone' and, via German scholarly usage, 'epigonism'. English adopted these terms in the nineteenth century, largely through literary and philosophical criticism influenced by German scholarship.
Related word forms
How epigonism is actually used
A formal, literary-critical term, most at home in discussions of literature, music, and art history. It carries a distinctly pejorative charge: to call a work epigonistic is to accuse it of being second-hand. The word is rare in everyday speech.
Easily confused with epigonism
An epitome is a perfect example or embodiment of something, whereas epigonism refers to unoriginal imitation of a predecessor.
Epistemology is the philosophical study of knowledge; despite the similar 'epi-' opening, it has nothing to do with imitation.