# Epigraph explained — Jurgen

> Chapter companion for Jurgen by James Branch Cabell.

## What happens

The epigraph introduces Jurgen, an old man who regained his youth through an old wife and obtained a fiery shirt for jesting, yet never achieved his desire in any land or condition.

## Themes in this chapter

### The Search for Meaning and Desire

The epigraph highlights Jurgen's unfulfilled desire despite his regained youth and magical shirt.

### Aging and Youth

Jurgen's transformation from an old man to youth is central to the epigraph.

## Character check-ins

### Jurgen

Mentioned as the subject of the epigraph, an old man who regained youth and obtained a bright shirt but never fulfilled his desire.

## Key lines

> Of Jurgen eke they maken mencioun, That of an old wyf gat his youthe agoon, And gat himselfe a shirte as bright as fyre Wherein to jape, yet gat not his desire In any countrie ne condicioun.

They also mention Jurgen, who regained his lost youth from an old wife and obtained a shirt as bright as fire for jesting, yet never achieved his desire in any country or condition.

_The epigraph summarizes Jurgen's story of gaining youth and a magical shirt but failing to attain his true desire._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/jurgen_se/chapters/epigraph
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/jurgen_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/jurgen_se/chapters