1. Epic

2. Quick Quiz 1 for strongly agree to 4 strongly disagree Society needs heroes. It is important to understand the relationship between a literary text and its historical, social and political contexts. Supernatural creatures can be found in epics. It is important to connect on a personal Level with the characters in literature.

3. CalliopeCalliope The Muse of eloquence and epic or heroic poetry.

4. The Epic  Long episodic narrative, usually a poem  Recounts the adventures of a mythical or historical hero  Long episodic narrative, usually a poem  Recounts the adventures of a mythical or historical hero Sean Bean as Odysseus in 2004 movie Troy

5.  A hero’s quest  Action covers a large geographical area.  A hero’s quest  Action covers a large geographical area.

6. Gods and Goddesses play a major role in the story Zeus Athena Poseidon

7. More Epic Characteristics  Events are of international or national importance  Hero faces a supernatural antagonist  The story begins In Medius Res  Restoration of a rightful leader  Events are of international or national importance  Hero faces a supernatural antagonist  The story begins In Medius Res  Restoration of a rightful leader

8. Why?  The purpose of an epic poem is to entertain, teach, and inspire the listener or reader with examples of how people can strive and succeed against great odds.  Can you think of any modern stories like this?  The purpose of an epic poem is to entertain, teach, and inspire the listener or reader with examples of how people can strive and succeed against great odds.  Can you think of any modern stories like this?

9. Arete  The most valued trait in ancient Greek culture was arete.  This means to reach your highest human potential.  So, our goal for the rest of the year is to be open to the Muse, Calliope and to strive for arete:Excellence!  The most valued trait in ancient Greek culture was arete.  This means to reach your highest human potential.  So, our goal for the rest of the year is to be open to the Muse, Calliope and to strive for arete:Excellence!