The Epic
Definition
¤ Long narrative poem on a serious
subject
¤ Centered on a hero on whose fate
the tribe, nation, race of man rests
¤ Elevated in writing style
Hero
¤ Usually represents the ideal figure of
his time
¤ He often has divine/supernatural
traits
¤ Greater than common man
Setting
¤ Vast in scope
¤ Covers great distances
¤ Possibly the underworld, other worlds
or other times
Action
¤ Deeds of valor or superhuman
strength
£ Especially in battle
Supernatural Forces at Work
¤ Gods intervene (“machinery”)
¤ Supernatural forces interest
themselves in the action and
intervene at times
Writing Style
¤ Elevated (formal)
¤ Often times ceremonial
¤ Repeated themes
Additional Conventions
¤  Opens by stating theme
¤  Writer invokes the “Muse”
¤  Narrative opens “in media res” usually at
hero’s low point and refers to previous
actions as flashbacks
¤  Catalogs and geneaologies are given
¤  Main character gives extended formal
speeches
¤  Use of “epic simile”--extended a great
deal
¤  Heavy use of repetition and stock phrases