Epic Notes
What is an epic?
-An epic is a long narrative poem that relates the great deeds of a______-______-______ hero who embodies the values of a particular society.
-Sometimes called a ______
-Beowulf, the Iliad, and the Odyssey are all epics
Epics often…
-Concern eternal human problems such as the conflict between ______and ______
-Written or told on a ______and often in ceremonial style.
There are 2 Types of Epics
______Epic-oral compositions passed on from storyteller to storyteller and has changed over time. Ex. -Beowulf, the Iliad, and the Odyssey
______Epic-written compositions that are unchanged over time. Ex. -Aeneid and Paradise Lost
Epic Characteristics There are ______main epic characteristics
Epic Characteristic #1
-The hero is ______whois generally popular within his home or society.
Epic Characteristic #2
-The ______is broad and often includes______places, especially the land of the dead.
Epic Characteristic #3
-The hero does great deeds in battle and MUST undertakes an extraordinary______.
Epic Characteristic #4
-Sometimes ______or other supernatural or fantastic beings take part in the action.
Epic Characteristic #5
-The story is told in______language (which makes it more exciting).
EPIC CONVENTIONS-Shared characteristics of epics that bards/scops (people that used to remember the epics before they were written down) drew upon to recall the stories they were recounting and that writers of epics drew upon to establish the epic quality of their poems.
EPIC CONVENTION #1
-There is an ______ or formal plea for aid/help.
-This plea is usually to a ______ or some other spiritual power.
EPIC CONVENTION #2
-The action begins ______… literally meaning “in the middle of things”
EPIC CONVENTION #3
-The epic begins in media res and then ______ to events that took place before the narrator’s current time setting
EPIC CONVENTIONS #4
-______- elaborately extended comparisons relating heroic events to simple, everyday events
Epic Hero Characteristics
- The epic hero is a “______” who embodies the highest ideals of his culture
- The epic hero usually undertakes a ______ to achieve something of great value to themselves or society
- Epic heroes “______”…meaning they are forever remembered by those who live after them…
- Epic heroes achieve a type of ______
- Not a “______”with magical powers, but a “______” human whose aspirations and accomplishments set him/her apart
- Overcomes great obstacles/opponents but ______
- Epic hero experiences typical______, yet is able to master and control these human traits to a greater degree than a typical person