An epilogue or epilog (from Greek epilogos epilogos, "conclusion" from epi epi, "in addition" and logos logos, "word") is a piece of writing at the end of a work of literature that is typically used to bring the work to a close. It often summarizes the main ideas of the story and can include additional commentary on the events in the text. Epilogs are usually written by the author of the text but may also be written by another person or group. They are intended to explain any inconsistencies or contradictions that may remain unclear after the story has been concluded. Some examples of epilogues include: The Epilogue to Samuel Richardson's Pamela: A Novel (1740) explains what happens to its central character after the novel ends. The Afterword to Jane Austen's Pride and Prejudice (1813) discusses various aspects of life in 1813, when the novel was published. The Postscript to Charles Dickens' A Christmas Carol (1843) provides some final thoughts on the story. The Epilogue to Mark Twain's Adventures of Huckleberry Finn (1885) offers a brief overview of American life during the 1880s.