Epic Poetry
Purpose
Broadl defined genera of poetry
Retells in continuous narritive
The life and works of a heroic or mythology
person or group of persons.
The term "epic" has been recycled.
Literary Devices
Epic simily
"None would attack oh, it was strange, I tell you
but switching their long tails they faced our men
like hounds, who look up when their master comes
with tidbits for them as he will from table" (5-8).
comparison in the form of a
simile that are many lines in length
Ephet
"Son of great Laertes" (33).
Another name for someone or something
Alliteration
Rhyme
Meter
Name and Authors of Epic Poems
Aeneid- Virgel
Odyssey- Homer
Illiad- Homer
Metamorphoses-Ovid
Features
Epic Setting
Epic Themes
Epic Plot
Epic Hero
Overcomes perilous situations
"Eurylochus tells Odysseus what has happened
and begs him to sail away from Circe’s island.
Against this advice, however, Odysseus rushes
to save his men from the enchantress" (46-48).
Embodies Qualities valued by a culture
"Cyclops, try some wine.
Here s liquor to wash down your scraps of men.
Taste it, and see the kind of drink we carried
under our planks. I meant it for an offering
if you would help us home" (256-259).
Helped or harmed by Gods or fate
"On the way, he meets
the god Hermes, who gives
him a magical plant called moly
to protect him from Circe’s power" (48-50).
Superhuman Strengths
"Circe turns the pigs back into men
but puts them all into a trance" (53-54).
Non-Freatures
Lame theme
Normal setting
Villin
Small plot
