Traits%20of%20an%20Epic

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Traits of an Epic
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1 A LOOOONNNNGGGG narrative poemBook length
High idealism Poetic beauty Also
includes the seamier Elements of life
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2 - A quick-thinking action hero
ADVENTURES
DEEDS OF VALOR
UNIFIES THE WHOLE POEM
OR NOT!
9 TRAITS - See your study guide
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3 - Begins with invocation to the museto ask
for divine help in undertaking such a big project
HELP!
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4 - Begins in media res
Start here!
Then flash back
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5 - A grand, lofty style Eloquent Formal Magni
ficent Grandiose
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6 - Use of epic similes Extended similes full
of pictorial detail
Polyphemus - Nancy Lee Kern, 1999
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7 -Emphasis on bravery, heroism, and noble
deeds as solution to human problems.
Violence leads to violence
Revenge is a motif
Plot is infused with MACHISMO
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8 - Intervention by the gods
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9 - Divisions of the tale Episode 1 Episode
2 Episode 3 Episode 4
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10 - Counsels - gatherings in which leaders and
chieftains plan strategiesand tactics. But watch
out, sometimesthey argue!
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11 - A preoccupation with weapons
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12 - A descent to the Underworld
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13 - Portents and Prophecies
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14 - Encyclopedic manner of narration
Omniscient Point of View
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15 - Frequent battles over boundaries, turf