1. Epic Simile R 3.7 Recognize epic simile

2. Epic Simile An elaborate comparison that may extend for several lines An elaborate comparison that may extend for several lines May use the words: like, as, just as, or so to make comparisons May use the words: like, as, just as, or so to make comparisons

3. Simile vs Epic Simile A normal simile draws a comparison to a single, distinct image A normal simile draws a comparison to a single, distinct image She’s as beautiful as a rose. Epic simile is a longer and more involved comparison Epic simile is a longer and more involved comparison

4. Excerpt: Paradise Lost 1.301-303 [Lucifer] stood and call’d [Lucifer] stood and call’d His Legions, Angel Forms, who lay intrans’t His Legions, Angel Forms, who lay intrans’t Thick as Autumnal Leaves that strow the Brooks Thick as Autumnal Leaves that strow the Brooks In Vallombrosa, where th’ Etrurian shades In Vallombrosa, where th’ Etrurian shades High overarch’t imbow’r High overarch’t imbow’r

5. Excerpt: Aeneid 6.305-310 Here a whole crowd came streaming to the banks... as many souls as leaves that yield their hold on boughs and fall through forests in the early frost of autumn...

6. Why are used? Might recall an entire place or story Might recall an entire place or story These are sometimes called Homeric similes These are sometimes called Homeric similes Creates contrast Creates contrast Establishes digression Establishes digression Amplifies a theme Amplifies a theme