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SPEAKING
A brief introduction to the
Characteristics & Conventions of Epics
What is an Epic?
• Is one of the main types of poetry
• It is a long, formal narrative poem usually dealing
with exploits of a hero
• Epic poetry has been and continues to be used by
peoples all over the world to transmit their
traditions from one generation to another, without
the aid of writing.
Characteristics of an Epic
1. Characters are beings of national importance and historical ,
cultural or legendary significance.
For example, Odysseus must again and again prove his ability to
fight his way out of trouble, to cunningly use words, and to bravely
face extreme odds. Both his wanderings and his return home to
face the suitors are deeds of valor and courage.
“Romulus shall call that people Romans, after his own name.
I set no limit to their fortunes and no time;
I give them empire without end.
Then even bitter Juno shall be change; or she ,
Who is now harasses lands and heavens with terror,
Then shall hold the Romans dear together with me,
Cherishing the masters of all things,
And the race that wears the toga.
That is what I decree.
Conventions of an Epic
1. An invocation to the Muse for inspiration in the telling of a story, a prayer
to a Muse for approval and blessing.
The following examples shows us a poet who requests divine help in
portraying the epic story he has to tell:
Iliad (A) – 1.1-9
Odyssey (A) –1.1-31
Aeneid (A) –1.1-16
Paradise Lost (C) –1.1-25 (Note this Christian example. Here, Milton's
invocation is to the Holy Spirit.)
Exemptions to these are Epics not created in the Classical style such as
Gilgamesh, the Bhagava Puruna in the Mahabharata, etc.
2. Epics tend to start in medias res. "In the middle of the action."
Usually with the hero at his lowest point. Usually flashbacks show
earlier portions of the story.
The Odyssey begins near the end of Odysseus' journey, which began
with his ships' flight from the shores of Troy. The events that set his
wanderings in motion become clear as the story progresses.
“ You Aeolus—to whom the king of men and father of the gods have given
this: to pacify the waves or, with the wind, to incite them—
Over the Tyrrhenian now sails my enemy, a race that carries the beaten
household gods of Ilium to Italy. Hammer your winds to fury and ruin their
swamped ships, or scatter them and fling their crews piecemeal across the
seas.”
He turned his lance head, struck the hollow mountain on its side.
The winds, as in a column, hurry through the breach;
they blow across the earth in a tornado.
Together Eurus, Notus, and with Tempest on tempest attack the sea.”
6. Epic heroes suffer from a tragic flaw.
- Hamartia, Greek “hamartanein” meaning to
miss the mark; to err.
- Refers to the flaws or weaknesses that epic
heroes suffer from and normally causes their
greatest tragedies and losses. HUBRIS or pride
is the most common flaw from which epic
heroes flounder.
EXAMPLES OF EPICS