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THE EPIC

THE EPIC. A TIMELESS GENRE RUINED BY HOLLYWOOD. DEFINITION. A long narrative poem, written in elevated style, recounting the deeds of noble or semi-divine person Three different types: Folk Epic Art Epic Mock Epic. Folk epic.

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THE EPIC

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  1. THE EPIC A TIMELESS GENRE RUINED BY HOLLYWOOD

  2. DEFINITION • A long narrative poem, written in elevated style, recounting the deeds of noble or semi-divine person • Three different types: • Folk Epic • Art Epic • Mock Epic

  3. Folk epic A folk epic is such a story that evolves from the people of a civilization and their lives. It rises above the facts of those lives, although it is grounded in those facts, to the commonality of their human experiences, wisdom, and values. Example: Beowulf, The Iliad, The Odessey

  4. Art Epic An art epic , on the contrary, is a deliberate creation by the artist-writer about a civilization or a people. It, too, may be based on a long-ago histories or on long-ago literature. Example: Paradise Lost

  5. Mock Epic A mock epic is a long, heroic-comical poem that merely imitates features of the classical epic. The poet often takes an elevated style of language, but incongruously applies that language to mundane or ridiculous objects and situations. The mock epic focuses frequently on the exploits of an antihero whose activities illustrate the shallowness of a class or group he represents. This style of epic is a satire. Example: Rape of the Lock

  6. Convention of Structure (A convention is literary device associated with a specific genre.) • Theme (subject matter) stated in the opening lines • Poet invokes a Muse for guidance and inspiration • Action takes place in medias res (in the middle), leaving necessary exposition to be given as needed • Catalogues (lists) of warriors, treasures, monsters, etc. • Long formal speeches by the main characters

  7. Convention of Structure Literary devices • Kennings : compound metaphors used to describes objects or activities -- swan-road, bone-chamber, bow-bolt • Epithet : a short, poetic nickname in the form of an adjective or adjectival phrased attached to or used in place of a normal name – Spear Danes; Hrothgar, Ring-giver; Bringer of Peace among Nations • Alliteration : used as a memory tool to link important words and ideas within lines • Caesura: a pause separating phrases within lines of poetry – an important part of poetic rhythm

  8. Common Characteristics • Hero is of imposing stature, of national or international importance, of historical or legendary importance. • Setting is vast in scope (wide in geographical area), covering countries, worlds, or universes. All epics include travel. • Supernatural forces (gods, demons, monsters) involve themselves in the action. • Action consists of deeds of great valor; may require superhuman strength. • Objective narration • Style – grand simplicity and sustained elevation

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