Epic Poetry

1
Epic Poetry
2
Characteristics of the Epic Poem

• Main character larger than life hero, often
  subject of legend or a national hero
• Deeds of the hero are presented without
  favoritism, revealing his failings as well as his
  virtues
• Action (battle) reveals the more-than-human
  strength and courage

3
Characteristics - Continued

• Setting covers several nations, the whole world,
  or even the universe
• Episodes (although fictional) provide an
  explanation for some of the circumstances or
  events in history

4
Characteristics - continued

• Gods and lesser divinities play an active role in
  the outcome of actions
• All of the various adventures form an organic
  whole, where each event relates to the central
  theme

5
Epic Machinery (Conventions)

• Epic poem begins with an invocation to a muse or
  other deity Sing in me, Muse!
• Story begins in medias res in the middle of
  things (War over, heading home)
• Use of Patronymics calling the son by the
  fathers name Son of Laertes
• Journey to the Underworld

6
Epic Machinery - continued

• Use of the number 3 (three men sent to Lotus
  Eaters island)
• Previous episodes in the story are recounted
  (Part One is Odysseus telling what has happened
  since he left Troy.)