Gilgamesh Literary Terms

Epics Epic: long, narrative poem that recounts the adventures of a legendary hero who is engaged in a dangerous journey, or quest, that is important to the history of a nation or people Two Types of Epics 1. Folk- epic that was written down long after it was recited or sung as entertainment and passed down by oral tradition Examples: Beowulf (Anglo-Saxon) Gilgamesh (Sumerian) 2. Literary- written by individual authors Examples: Iliad and Odyssey (Homer) Aeneid (Virgil) (Literary Epics were once Folk epics before someone decided to write the stories down)

Elements of an Epic 4 Elements of an Epic 1. Epic Hero: strong, brave, loyal, virtuous -has flaws -important to society -semi divine (half-God) 2. Epic Conflict: epic hero’s struggle against an obstacle or series of obstacles 3. Heroic Quest: epic hero’s perilous journey in search of something of value to his people 4. Divine Intervention: epic hero receives help from a god or some other supernatural force

Elements of an Epic For example in The Odyssey: 1. Odysseus (EPIC HERO) 2. Saves men from Lotus Eaters and Cyclops (EPIC CONFLICT) 3. Travels to get back home and reclaim Ithaca (HEROIC QUEST) 4. Receives help from Athena, Zeus, and Apollo (DIVINE INTERVENTION)

Epic Conventions Epic conventions (literary or formal characteristics) 1. Opens by stating subject or purpose, followed by an invocation, appeal or prayer for help 2. Plot begins in media res (in the middle of things) 3. Serious tone with long, formal speeches by characters 4. Includes epic similes, elaborate extended comparisons using like or as 5. Includes epithets, descriptive words or phrases

Epic Conventions Archetype: basic plot, character, symbol, or idea that recurs in the literature of many cultures. One archetype is the hero’s quest. Characterization: means by which characters are created and developed Direct characterization: author reveals characters’ personalities through direct statements, actions, speech, and thoughts