Epic Literary Terms Quiz

the tragic flaw that leads to the tragic hero's downfall

• archetype

• epic hero

• hamartia

• invocation

a prayer or address made to the muses in which the poet asks for inspiration, skill, knowledge, or the appropriate mood to create a poem

• epic

• epithet

• hubris

• invocation

more involved than a typical simile; authors use this technique to communicate a new concept to the audience

• epic

• epic simile

• xenia

• invocation

a characterizing word or phrase occurring in place of the name of a person or thing

• epithet

• archetype

• epic simile

• hamartia

a long, narrative poem told in an elevated style that chronicles heroic deeds

• epic hero

• epic

• reversal

• hubris

occurs when the opposite of what the hero intends happens

• reversal

• epic hero

• invocation

• archetype

Greek term for the laws of hospitality

• hubris

• epithet

• xenia

• epic

the central figure in a long narrative poem who possesses larger than life qualities, such as bravery, loyalty, and heroism

• epic hero

• hubris

• invocation

• epic

a character, action, or situation that is a pattern of human life, occurring over and over again

• xenia

• hamartia

• epic hero

• archetype

arrogance or pride before the gods

• reversal

• hubris

• epic simile

• reversal