The Epic

1. The Epic A long narrative poem on a great and serious subject told in an elevated style which centers on a heroic or quasi-divine figure on whose actions depends the fate of a tribe, a nation, or the human race.

2. The Epic Conventions • Opens by: ~Stating the Theme or Argument ~Invoking a Muse ~Begins in media res 2) The hero is of imposing stature, national, or international/historic importance. • The setting is vast, covering nations, the world, or the universe • The action consists of deeds of great valor or deeds requiring superhuman courage

3. 5) Supernatural forces- gods, angels, and demons-interest themselves in the action • An elevated style is used (dignified/majestic language) • The poet retains a measure of objectivity • Poet includes catalogs of warriors, ships, armies, genealogies • Extended formal speeches by the main characters • Frequent use of the epic simile (very elaborate comparison) • Use of the epithet- an adjective, adjective phrase, or appositive that describes a characteristic of a person or thing.

4. Two Types of Epics • Folk Epic- an epic without certain authorship, assumed to be the product of communal composition-thought to be the collection of various shorter works into one piece by one author. • Literary Epic- supposedly more sophisticated and more consciously moral in purpose than the folk epic. The author takes greater liberties with the popular materials being treated and expects less credulity. The events narrated are in the more remote past.