Characteristics of Epic Poems

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Questions and Answers

What is an epic?

An epic is a long narrative poem that relates the great deeds of a larger-than-life hero who embodies the values of a particular society.

Epics often concern what type of problems?

Eternal human problems such as the conflict between Good and Evil.

How are epics typically written or told?

On a grand scale and often in ceremonial style.

What are the two types of epic?

Folk Epic and Literary Epic. Signup and view all the answers

Describe each type of epic.

Folk Epic: oral compositions passed on from storyteller to storyteller and has changed over time. Literary Epic: written compositions that are unchanged over time. Signup and view all the answers

How many characteristics are there in an epic?

5 main characteristics. Signup and view all the answers

What is the first characteristic of epics?

The Epic Hero is a great leader who is identified strongly with a particular people or society. Signup and view all the answers

What is the second characteristic of epics?

The setting is broad and often includes supernatural realms, especially the land of the dead. Signup and view all the answers

What is the third characteristic of epics?

The hero does great deeds in battle and/or undertakes an extraordinary journey or quest. Signup and view all the answers

What is the fourth characteristic of epics?

Sometimes gods or other supernatural or fantastic beings take part in the action. Signup and view all the answers

What is the fifth characteristic of epics?

The story is told in heightened language, or formal, complex language. Signup and view all the answers

What is related to epic characteristics?

Epic conventions. Signup and view all the answers

What is an epic convention?

Epic conventions are the shared characteristics of epics that writers draw upon to establish the epic quality of their poems. Signup and view all the answers

What is the first epic convention?

There is an invocation or formal plea for aid/help. Signup and view all the answers

What is the second epic convention?

The action begins In Media Res, which literally means 'in the middle of things' in Latin. Signup and view all the answers

What is the third epic convention?

Prayers to gods are recited by the poet before the story is told. Signup and view all the answers

What is the fourth epic convention?

Epic Similes are elaborately extended comparisons relating heroic events to simple, everyday events using like, as, so, and just as. Signup and view all the answers

What is the fifth epic convention?

Epics make use of the Epithet, which is a descriptive phrase that presents a particular trait of a person or thing. Signup and view all the answers

What is an epic hero and what are they able to achieve?

An epic hero is a larger-than-life person who embodies the highest ideals of his culture. They usually partake in a quest and are remembered even after their death. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Epic Poems Overview

An epic is a long narrative poem depicting the feats of a hero who represents societal values.
Epics tackle universal themes, often centering on the struggle between Good and Evil.
They are typically grand in scale and conveyed in a ceremonial style.

Types of Epics

Folk Epic: Passed orally from storyteller to storyteller, evolving over time.
Literary Epic: Written works that remain unchanged through time.

Characteristics of Epics

Five main characteristics define epics.
Epic Hero: A significant leader associated with a specific society or people, exemplifying their values.
Broad Setting: Includes expansive and supernatural realms, especially the afterlife.
Heroic Deeds: The hero engages in remarkable battles and undertakes extraordinary quests.
Supernatural Involvement: Gods and fantastic beings may participate as allies or adversaries.
Heightened Language: The narrative employs formal, complex language.

Epic Conventions

Epic conventions are shared traits that establish the epic nature of poems.
Invocation: A formal plea for divine assistance at the start of the poem.
In Media Res: The action begins in the midst of events, not at the beginning.
Prayers to Gods: Often recited by the poet prior to narrating the story.
Epic Similes: Elaborate comparisons that relate heroic deeds to everyday moments.
Epithets: Descriptive phrases that highlight key characteristics, aiding in characterization.

Epic Heroes' Legacy

Epic heroes are larger-than-life figures who exemplify cultural ideals and engage in quests.
Their legacies endure beyond death, ensuring they are remembered by their societies.
They experience human emotions but manage them with greater mastery, showcasing their heroic nature.

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Description

Explore the key characteristics and conventions of epic poetry through this quiz. Learn about the structure, themes, and significance of epics in literature. Perfect for students and literature enthusiasts looking to deepen their understanding of this genre.