Epiphany: Plot

Epiphany: Plot

Setting and Context

• “Epiphany” takes place in a modern-day supermarket, brightly lit and filled with the hustle and bustle of shoppers.
• The poem’s action happens on Twelfth Night, a traditional celebration marking the end of Christmas, where it is customary to give gifts to the poor or less fortunate.

Beginning of the Poem

• The speaker, presumably the poet, reflects on her mundane, routine shopping tasks. She’s buying groceries and provisions, flitting between various items like turkey, wine, and “last minute-gifts”.

Key Moment in the Poem

• While picking up a “Tin of biscuits for the neighbour”, the speaker has an epiphanic moment. This is an abrupt realization or intuitive understanding which illuminates her perspective.
• The speaker realises that the money spent on little “luxuries” for her own use could have been used to purchase much-needed items for those in need.

End of the Poem

• Following her encounter with insight, the speaker doesn’t change her activities immediately, continuing with her routine shopping instead.
• Yet the speaker ends the poem in a reflective mood, conscious that the Epiphany, both spiritual and personal, will have an impact on her future actions.