The Epic Poem

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What is an epic?

What is an epic?

A long narrative (tells a story) poem

What is an epic?
A

long narrative (tells a story) poem Told in elevated style

What is an epic?
A

long narrative (tells a story) poem Told in elevated style Presenting characters of high position

What is an epic?
A

long narrative (tells a story) poem Told in elevated style Presenting characters of high position In a series of adventures

Two kinds of epic poems:

Two kinds of epic poems:

Folk

epic

Two kinds of epic poems:

Folk

epic -- NO known author -- passed down through culture by word of mouth

Two kinds of epic poems:

Folk

epic -- NO known author -- passed down through culture by word of mouth epic -- known author -- written for the purpose of literature (art)

Art

Examples of folk epic

The

Iliad Odyssey
to Homer

Attributed to Homer

The

Attributed

Beowulf

Examples of Art Epic

Virgils

The Aenid Miltons Paradise Lost Dantes Divine Comedy

Characteristics of the epic

Characteristics of the epic

1.

The hero is a figure of heroic stature

a. b.

National or international importance Great historical or legendary significance

Characteristics of the epic

2. Setting = vast in scope, covering great nations, the world, or the universe.

Characteristics of the epic

2. Setting = vast in scope, covering great nations, the world, or the universe. 3. Action = deeds of great valor or requiring superhuman courage

Characteristics of the epic

4. Supernatural forces -- Gods, angels, and demons -- interest themselves in humans and intervene from time to time.

Characteristics of the epic

4. Supernatural forces -- Gods, angels, and demons -- interest themselves in humans and intervene from time to time. 5. The epic poet recounts the deeds of his heroes with objectivity.

The Epic Hero

Brings fame to Never give up his country Is conquerable a quest seeker Is honorable resourceful clever and Faces great danger Is trustworthy Is determined human Is wise Fights for his beliefs Will sacrifice strong Is skillful and for his cause Faces many obstacles Represents the best of the rest of us Is honest

Kennings
A

figurative and compound (two part) expression used in place of a name or noun, especially in Anglo Saxon poetry for example, storm of swords is a kenning for ________________.

Activity
Come

up with a kenning for yourself Write it on typing paper make it big/bold enough to see across the room. DO NOT PUT YOUR NAME ON THE FRONT We will try to guess whos is whose.

REMEMBER: Kennings are only two words (most often a nounadjective combo) or two words with a preposition. Swisher of nets Net swisher Court bouncer Slapper of the backboard

Find Five Kennings

Write

down the kenning And the line number where it is found