| A | B |
|---|
| Characteristics of an Epic | A long narrative poem, epic hero, shows the value of its culture, elevated language, heroic events important to culture, epic conventions |
| Examples of Epics | The Iliad(Homer), The Odyssey(Homer), The Lord of the Rings(J.R.R. Tolkein), Harry Potter(J.K. Rowling) |
| Poetic Devices in Epics | Figurative Language(language not meant to be taken literally) |
| Examples of Figurative Language | Metaphors, similes, personification |
| Figurative Language | Epithets, Heroic or Homeric Similes |
| Epithet | A term used to characterize a person or thing(Rosy-Fingered), or a term used as a descriptive substitute for the name or title of a person, such as the Great Emancipator |
| Heroic or Homeric Similes | Comparisons using like or as, except using as, so, just so, occasionally like/much longer/ ordinary to extraordinary |
| Other Poetic Devices | Grand/elevated language, more important, deserve highest language |
| Invocation of the Muse | Goddesses of the Arts, nine daughters of Zeus each one responsible for one artistic area, call on the Muse to tell story correctly and well |
| Opening in medias res | Latin for "in the middle of things", describes a narrative that begins in the story at crucial points, excites, flashback, suspenseful |
| Setting Grand in Scope | The story that takes place over many years and through many lands, "too big" for one place and one time(ten years and eighteen places) |
| Deus Ex Machina Ending | "God from the machine", gods intervene at the end to solve a conflict, descend onto stage by some "basket" |
| The Epic Hero | Noble, Hubris, national or historical importance, great warrior, between man and god, stronger and braver, obstacles and trials, flaw |
| Hospitality | Feeding guests, entertaining guests, clothing guests, provide a bath, provide a bed, not asking name, every guest |
| Responsibilities of the guest | Treat host and property with respect, not overstay, return the favor |
| Arete | Both mental and physical excellence(Leaders have more than most) |
