The Epic An Epic is a long narrative poem, usually concerned with heroic deeds or events that are significant to a culture or nation The earliest epics were spoken, passed down orally from one generation to the next An Epic is a long narrative poem, usually concerned with heroic deeds or events that are significant to a culture or nation The earliest epics were spoken, passed down orally from one generation to the next

1.Opens In Medias Res 2.Vast setting (covering nations, worlds, the whole universe) 3.Starts with an invocation to a muse 4.Starts with the statement of the theme 1.Opens In Medias Res 2.Vast setting (covering nations, worlds, the whole universe) 3.Starts with an invocation to a muse 4.Starts with the statement of the theme Epic Characteristics

5.Includes the use of epithets (the great, the brave, etc.) 6.Contains long lists (genealogy, characters involved, accomplishments, etc.) 7.Includes long, formal speeches 8.Includes divine intervention 9.Focused on an Epic Hero

Epic (homeric) simile An extended simile elaborated in such detail or at such length as to eclipse temporarily the main action of a narrative work, forming a decorative digression. Usually it compares one complex action with another: for example, the approach of an army with the onset of storm- clouds.

The epic hero is the focus of the epic poem. The hero is a warrior The hero possesses the traits most valued by the culture at the time The hero finds himself in one of two scenarios: War or Journey The epic hero is the focus of the epic poem. The hero is a warrior The hero possesses the traits most valued by the culture at the time The hero finds himself in one of two scenarios: War or Journey Epic Hero

Famous Epics Ancient The Epic of Gilgamesh The Illiad & The Odyssey Aeneid Metamorphoses Medieval Beowulf The Divine Comedy Morte Arthure (early alliterative) Modern The Faerie Queene Paradise Lost & Paradise Regained Ancient The Epic of Gilgamesh The Illiad & The Odyssey Aeneid Metamorphoses Medieval Beowulf The Divine Comedy Morte Arthure (early alliterative) Modern The Faerie Queene Paradise Lost & Paradise Regained

Tips for reading Read sentences, not line by line. Stop and consider what you’ve read. Understanding each word doesn’t mean you understand the content of what you’ve read Use footnotes - they’re there for a reason Read sentences, not line by line. Stop and consider what you’ve read. Understanding each word doesn’t mean you understand the content of what you’ve read Use footnotes - they’re there for a reason