1. Mrs. Weight Language Arts 9

2.   Long, narrative poem  Speaker is a narrator who tells a story  Setting is expansive (big)  Main character is a hero or capable of being heroic  Gods or supernatural beings interfere with the action Characteristics of Epic Poetry

3.   Action includes extraordinary/superhuman deeds  Epic hero has a goal  Embarked on a long journey  Battles natural and supernatural obstacles and antagonists (gods, monsters, humans)  Purpose: to teach and inspire the listener/reader that people can strive and succeed against great odds Characteristics of Epic Poetry (cont.)

4.   Invocation – narrator states the subject of the poem and asks for poetic inspiration from a guiding spirit  In medias res – “in the middle of things”  The narrator offers background about what has already occurred  Speeches by main characters  Protagonist, gods, antagonists  Reveal character personalities (characterization) Epic Narration

5.   Elevated style: serious tone, formal  Figurative language  Epic Simile – a long, elaborate comparison that continues for several lines  Epithets – a repeated description often used to meet rhyming/meter requirements  “bright-eyed Athena” “wise Odysseus”  Formal Rhetoric – long formal speeches by the characters. More practical than dialogue Epic Narration (cont.)

6.   A person of high social status who embodies the ideals of his/her people  Characteristics:  Strong  Courageous  Noble  Thirst for glory  Intelligent  Quick thinking  Self-confident  Articulate speakers The Epic Hero