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What is a characteristic of classical epic stories in terms of their length?
What is a characteristic of classical epic stories in terms of their length?
- They are short and concise
- They are of varying lengths
- They are usually novella-length
- They are lengthy and book-length (correct)
What is the purpose of the invocation in classical epic stories?
What is the purpose of the invocation in classical epic stories?
- To introduce the protagonist's family
- To invoke a muse or divine inspiration (correct)
- To summarize the plot of the story
- To provide a historical context
What is the typical birth of the protagonist in classical epic stories?
What is the typical birth of the protagonist in classical epic stories?
- Of peasant birth
- Of a single mother
- Of noble or divine birth (correct)
- Of unknown parents
What is a common feature of classical epic stories in terms of their subject matter?
What is a common feature of classical epic stories in terms of their subject matter?
What is a common supernatural element found in classical epic stories?
What is a common supernatural element found in classical epic stories?
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Study Notes
Characteristics of Classical Epic Stories
- Lengthy narrative: Classical epic stories are long, often book-length, poems or stories that narrate heroic deeds and events.
- Elevated style: Epic stories are written in a formal, elevated style that is often grandiose and ornate.
- Heroic protagonist: The protagonist is typically a heroic figure, often of noble or divine birth, who embodies the values of the culture in which the story is set.
- National or historical significance: Epic stories often deal with national or historical events, myths, or legends that are important to the culture in which they are told.
- Supernatural elements: Epic stories often feature supernatural elements, such as gods, goddesses, or magical creatures, that interact with the mortal world.
Epic Conventions
- In medias res: The story begins in the middle of the action, with the protagonist already in the midst of a journey or quest.
- Invocation: The poet or narrator invokes a muse or divine inspiration to guide the telling of the story.
- Catalogue of heroes: The poet or narrator lists the names and deeds of the heroes who have come before the protagonist.
- Episodes: The story is divided into discrete episodes or books, each of which deals with a specific event or challenge faced by the protagonist.
Examples of Classical Epic Stories
- The Iliad and The Odyssey (Homer, ancient Greece): Tales of the Trojan War and the journey of Odysseus.
- The Aeneid (Virgil, ancient Rome): The story of the founding of Rome and the journey of Aeneas.
- The Epic of Gilgamesh (ancient Mesopotamia): The story of the king Gilgamesh and his quest for immortality.
- The Mahabharata (ancient India): The story of the Pandavas and the Kauravas, and the battle of Kurukshetra.
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