English 9 Honors Semester 1 Final Exam Study Guide Epics: An extended narrative poem recounting actions, travels, adventures, and heroic episodes; it may have twelve books or twent... English 9 Honors Semester 1 Final Exam Study Guide Epics: An extended narrative poem recounting actions, travels, adventures, and heroic episodes; it may have twelve books or twenty-four books. Characteristics of the classical epic include these: The main character or protagonist is heroically larger than life, often the source and subject of legend or a national hero (archetype of an epic hero) The deeds of the hero are presented without favoritism, revealing his failings as well as his virtues. What does an epic hero reveal about the time/culture from which he originated? The action, often in battle, reveals the more-than-human strength of the heroes as they engage in acts of heroism and courage. The setting covers several nations, the whole world, or even the universe. The episodes, even though they may be fictional, provide an explanation for some of the circumstances or events in the history of a nation or people. The gods and lesser divinities play an active role in the outcome of actions. All of the various adventures form an organic whole, where each event relates in some way to the central theme. Typical in epics is a set of conventions. Among them are these: Poem begins with a statement of the theme and invocation to the muse. Epic simile (a long simile where the image becomes an object of art in its own right as well as serving to clarify the subject) Long, formal speeches by important characters Journey to the underworld/another world Previous episodes in the story are later recounted Hero’s journey (traditionally broken down into 12 stages) Be able to answer the following questions: What are the 12 stages of the hero’s journey? What is an epic poem? An epic hero? An epic simile? What is foreshadowing? What is flashback? Be able to discuss the following topics: dreams, prophecy, hospitality, theme What is the importance/significance of gender roles in epic poetry? How do perceptions of death and the afterlife affect the epic poems? Understand the Greek terminology: invocation of the muse, epithet, hubris, kleos, in media res, metis, arete, and xenia Allusions- understand how allusions add depth and understanding to a modern text- why are ancient allusions used? What do we learn from their usage? What are examples of common archetypes in epics? (the mentor, the temptress, etc.) Can you identify examples of character archetypes in an epic? Thematic Unit: Literature Circle Novels – How do they convey narrative elements, theme, archetype, motifs? plot diagram: exposition, conflict, rising action, climax, falling action, resolution, theme characterization: flat, round, dynamic, static, direct, indirect symbolism figurative language: metaphor, simile, hyperbole, allusion, symbolism, irony, repetition, sensory language, point of view, allegory, tone, theme, motif, archetypes identify author’s argument/purpose SAT Vocabulary: SAT lists 1-10 Grammar Units: The Modifier Adjectives Articles Definite Indefinite Adverbs Relative Adjective Order & Commas with adjectives Comparatives & superlatives Intensifiers & adverbs of degree The preposition & the Conjunction Prepositions Time & space Neither time nor space Common Compound Phrases Terminal Conjunctions Coordinating Subordinating Correlative FANBOYS Commas Lists Ways to end a sentence Salutations & valedictions & dates & addresses Space and time Introductory elements Dialogue Appositives Oxford comma Apostrophes Contractions Plurals Possessives. Read more